Among the most divisive aspects of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was the use of a CGI-created Grand Moff Tarkin, made in the likeness of Peter Cushing, an actor who died in 1994. Some thought it was brilliantly handled, while others considered it to be a cheap, unnecessary addition. Cheap morally, that is. It definitely cost a lot to bring into actualization, and based on recent reports, we now know that Lucasfilm actually had backup plans if things didn’t work out.
The character, re-created through motion capture performance and visual effects, doesn’t play an extensive role in the new spinoff, but he is featured in a few key scenes with Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn). Industrial Light and Magic believed they had the capability to digitally re-create Cushing, rather than simply re-casting the role, and Lucasfilm decided to give them the go ahead. It should be noted that they only did it after obtaining permission from Cushing’s estate, which makes it slightly less unethical.
Tarkin is ultimately played by Guy Henry in Rogue One, and it’s his voice that’s heard as well, behind the extensive CG. If it didn’t work out, however, Lucasfilm considered having Tarkin appear as a hologram, which would make the special effects easier to forgive for looking less realistic. They also considered giving his lines to different actors. But the studio seemed pretty dead set on having Tarkin in the final film, and re-casting was not an option, it seems.
Whether you love it or hate it, it was quite a feat to pull off. Was it worth all the trouble in the end, though? That’s for viewers to decide for themselves. Tell us, if you’ve seen Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, what do you think of the decision made by Lucasfilm? Let us know in the usual spot.
