Some pretty wild movie news came out this morning. According to the Hollywood Reporter, James Dean will star in a film next year entitled “Finding Jack.”
Dean will be digitally recreated using CGI.
James Dean, who died in 1955, will return to the screen via CGI using actual footage and photos. Details: https://t.co/Xzd4Uq0vLu
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 6, 2019
Special effects have come a long way. These days, we can digitally de-age actors and even put their faces in other places. With CGI getting better and better as time goes on, I always figured Hollywood would bring back an actor who had passed away to star in a new film at some point.
James Dean was an icon in our culture. Part of me would love to see him on the big screen again. He only had the chance to be in a few films before passing away. But, the bigger part of me feels uncomfortable about this whole situation.
While it is very interesting that technology can bring back people visually, it is still not the actual actor. That begs the question, is this morally okay? There is no way Dean himself said yes to this. CGI in film wasn’t even a thought back in 1955.
Where is the line in the sand? I feel this upcoming movie will bring lots of questions to the table, especially if it is successful. Tech is only going to get better, so conversations about bringing deceased actors back will need to be had. Who knows, this could be a topic Hollywood will be dealing with for years to come.
According to the article, the filmmakers did get permission from Dean’s family, and they really do want to honor his legacy. I personally just have a tough time loving this idea.
If you haven’t had the chance to check out the films Dean was apart of before his tragic death in 1955. I highly recommend you do. I especially love “Giant.” It might be one of the best movies I’ve ever seen.
