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Gareth Edwards says Carrie Fisher couldn't tell she was CGI in Rogue One

Fisher… didn’t realise her Princess Leia in Rogue One was CGI – Credit: Lucasfilm
Fisher… didn’t realise her Princess Leia in Rogue One was CGI – Credit: Lucasfilm

For some the appearance of the CGI Carrie Fisher at the end of ‘Rogue One’ just didn’t sit right.

Like the digital iteration of Peter Cushing’s Grand Moff Tarkin in the movie, both characters pushed the ‘uncanny valley’ button, where a CGI character is realistic, but not quite realistic enough (or is it *too* realistic?).

But strangely, Carrie Fisher herself didn’t spot it.

Speaking to Fandango, director Gareth Edwards said that Star Wars producer Kathleen Kennedy told him how Fisher presumed it was some footage of Princess Leia found somewhere from the original movies.

“[Fisher] didn’t realise it was CGI,” he said.

“She thought we had some footage. She didn’t remember the take and thought we had manipulated a take from the original film.

“But they told her it was all computer generated and she was really impressed. We were all just so pleased she approved it.”

(Credit: Lucasfilm)
(Credit: Lucasfilm)

Since Fisher’s death in December last year, there’s been much discussion over how her character will continue in the movie series.

Rumours suggested that because of the CGI used in ‘Rogue One’, she could be brought back in digital form, however those rumours were soon denied by Lucasfilm.

A statement released on StarWars.com read: “We don’t normally respond to fan or press speculation, but there is a rumour circulating that we would like to address.

“We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher’s performance as Princess or General Leia Organa.

“Carrie Fisher was, is, and always will be a part of the Lucasfilm family. She was our princess, our general, and more importantly, our friend.

“We are still hurting from her loss. We cherish her memory and legacy as Princess Leia, and will always strive to honour everything she gave to Star Wars.”

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