Is Peter Cushing Coming Back From The Grave For Star Wars Rogue One?

Screen legend Peter Cushing is being resurrected for Star Wars spin-off movie ‘Rogue One’, according to reports.

Cushing’s character from the first Star Wars movie, Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, the commander of the Death Star, is said to be 'pivotal’ in the next movie, being helmed by Gareth Edwards.

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But the actor died in 1994 aged 81, after suffering prostate cancer.

This obviously means that some not inconsiderable CGI will have to be employed to bring the late star back to the big screen.

A source told the Mail on Sunday: “This is one of the most complex and costly CGI re-creations ever.

“Cushing is a pivotal plot line as he was the one to create Darth Vader and there’s a whole back story that will come out.”

Seemingly the biggest task will be recreating Cushing’s legs and feet.

Legend has it that Cushing could not wear the leather riding boots worn by the Imperial top brass because they were too uncomfortable.

Instead, he wore slippers on set, meaning that he could not be shot below the knee.

The source went on: “They are going through hours and hours of old footage from the horror movies to recreate his legs and feet to produce realistic movements.

“It is eerie to see someone who has been dead for so long come to life on a screen.”

Principal photography on the spin-off, which takes place between the third and fourth episodes of the Star Wars series, so just prior to the events in 'A New Hope’.

It will focus on Rogue Squadron, a team of rebels planning to steal the plans to the Death Star.

Starring are Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Forest Whitaker and Mads Mikkelson, with 'Godzilla’ director Edwards at the helm.

It’s due out on December 16, 2016.

Image credits: 20th Century Fox/Lucasfilm/Disney