Disney faces legal action over use of James Earl Jones' likeness in Rogue One
Star Wars actor's estate alleges that Disney used his voice and image without permission
The estate of James Earl Jones is suing Disney over the use of the late actor's likeness in the Star Wars spin-off Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Disney used Jones' voice and image without permission in the film, which was released in 2016.
According to the lawsuit, Disney did not obtain a license from the Jones estate to use his likeness in Rogue One. The lawsuit alleges that Disney used Jones' voice and image in the film without his knowledge or consent.
The lawsuit seeks damages for the alleged unauthorized use of Jones' likeness. The lawsuit also seeks an injunction to prevent Disney from using Jones' likeness in any future Star Wars films or other projects.
Disney has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
Jones, who died in 2022 at the age of 91, is best known for his role as Darth Vader in the Star Wars films. He also voiced Mufasa in the Lion King films and provided the voice of God in the 1972 film The First Temptation of Christ.
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal battles over the use of actors' likenesses in films and other projects. In recent years, the estates of several actors, including Robin Williams and Audrey Hepburn, have sued over the unauthorized use of their likenesses.
The lawsuit is likely to raise questions about the rights of actors and their estates to control the use of their likenesses. The lawsuit could also lead to changes in the way that film studios obtain licenses to use actors' likenesses.
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