'Dracula' legend Peter Cushing could be coming back from the grave to make an appearance in 'Star Wars: Rogue One.'
The legendary actor, who once played Van Helsing in the Hammer Films version of 'Dracula,' was also known for his wicked turn as Grand Moff Tarkin in 'Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.' Unfortunately, Peter Cushing passed away in 1994 and was not able to see his character's return in 'Revenge of the Sith.'
However, it looks like the producers behind the first 'Star Wars' standalone film 'Rogue One' are not going to let a little thing called death prevent them from having Peter Cushing return as Grand Moff Tarkin. According to The Daily News, a source has leaked information of plans to recreate the villain through CGI.
"This is one of the most complex and costly CGI re-creations ever," the source said. "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."
The Mail also reports that the CGI recreation is made difficult by the lack of footage showing Grand Moff Tarkin's feet. Peter Cushing had famously worn slippers while filming 'A New Hope' because of his ill-fitting boots, and so there are no footages showing Tarkin's feet.
"They are going through hours and hours of old footage from the horror movies to recreate his legs and feet to produce realistic movements," the source said. "It is eerie to see someone who has been dead for so long come to life on a screen."
Grand Moff Tarkin has also made an appearance in 'Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,' where the villain was portrayed by Wayne Pygram. Prosthetics and a stellar makeup work were all that were needed to transform the 'Farscape' star into the iconic villain.
'Star Wars: Rogue One' is scheduled for release on December 16, 2016.