‘Rogue One’ Techology Used to Bring Peter Cushing Back to ‘Star Wars’ is Obsolete

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As a cinephile with decades of film history under my belt, I can confidently say that the digital recreation of Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin in Rogue One was indeed a groundbreaking achievement at the time. However, listening to Chris Gilroy’s recent remarks, it seems that technology has moved on so swiftly that what was once cutting-edge is now considered obsolete. It’s like going from a steam car to gasoline in a blink of an eye!

When it debuted in 2016, one of its major points of discussion was the digital reincarnation of Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin. Remarkably, this was accomplished using a combination of motion-capture technology and digitally recreated facial features from archival footage, even though Cushing had passed away in 1994. At the time, this method was considered revolutionary. However, it has since been disclosed by co-writer of Rogue One, Chris Weitz, that the technology used back then is now largely outdated.

Gilroy recently discussed with Empire magazine his work on the film, including reportedly overseeing reshoots, and stated that although the CGI representation of Cushing’s character was considered innovative at the time, it has now been deemed outdated as technology advances. In his words:

As a movie enthusiast, I find it fascinating to ponder over the technological advancements showcased in films like Tarkin. It seemed as if the creation of such technology was akin to the Manhattan Project – groundbreaking and innovative for its time. However, with the advent of machine learning, everything has drastically changed. It’s as though we were meticulously crafting steam-powered vehicles, striving to perfect them, only for someone to introduce gasoline that outperforms our efforts. The entire landscape of technological development has been flipped on its head.

The Controversy Around ‘Star Wars’ Use of Deceased Actors May Not Be Over

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve been reflecting on how far we’ve come since the digital resurrection of Peter Cushing as Moff Tarkin in “Rogue One” nearly a decade ago. The trend of bringing actors back to life on screen after their demise has gained momentum, and it remains a complex topic that stirs debate.

In the movie “Rogue One”, Guy Henry performed the physical aspects of Tarkin’s character, using motion-capture gear to mimic Cushing’s gestures. Later, digital artists spent extensive time gathering footage of Cushing and used it to create a Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) mask. This mask was then carefully applied to Henry’s recorded actions, frame by frame.

As a fan, I found it meaningful when Grand Moff Tarkin was included in “Rogue One.” His character played a pivotal part in the events preceding “Star Wars: A New Hope.” It’s intriguing that director Tony Gilroy hints at something he may know about technological advancements. If true, this could imply they might be able to bring back the late actor, Cushing, for the second season of “Andor.” Although nothing is official yet, if Tarkin is indeed part of the series timeline, it would provide an interesting comparison for Gilroy between the two creation processes – the original performance and the potential use of modern technology.

In the ongoing quest of filmmakers to utilize technology to elevate storytelling, particularly within expansive franchises with intricate timelines, it’s worth noting that “Rogue One” remains a significant leap forward in visual technology innovation. Although some techniques employed may no longer be at the forefront today, every pioneering effort is crucial, and “Rogue One” undeniably paved the way for understanding and advancing the boundaries of digital acting performances.

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2024-11-22 21:02