Disney Sued for Use of Peter Cushing’s Likeness in ‘Rogue One’
Disney is being sued by Tyburn Film Productions for their use of Peter Cushing’s likeness in Rogue One.
Sep 11, 2024
Disney is being sued by Tyburn Film Productions for their use of Peter Cushing’s likeness in Rogue One.
Why it Matters:
Tyburn claims it made an agreement with Cushing one year before his death which would require their approval to recreate his likeness with special effects.
Legal proceedings began in 2019 with the companies attempting to have the case dismissed in 2023. Disney’s second attempt to have the case dismissed failed on September 9, 2024.
Between the Lines:
Disney argues that they did not need permission due to Cushing’s original contract in 1977, but they also paid Cushing’s estate $37,000 after being contacted by his agent about the recreation.
While the judge acknowledged that while he was "far from persuaded" that Tyburn Film Productions would win their argument, the case requires a "full factual inquiry."
What’s Next: The case will go to trial, continuing the conversation around deceased actors and the use of their likenesses in future projects.
Eric Eilersen is a Senior Writer at Youtini and co-host of The Youtini Show. He loves collecting Star Wars Funkos, lightsabers, and LEGO as well as playing video games, reading Brandon Sanderson novels, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and spending time with his partner and pets. You can follow him at @EricEilersen.
