Ever since the news broke that the upcoming Vietnam War film “Finding Jack” would utilize CGI technology to digitally bring back James Dean for a starring role, film fans have been voicing their opinions all over social media about the idea of using someone’s digital likeness in a new role after their death. Well, we now know that company that is behind the film is actually looking to do it with a catalog of actors, and in “Finding Jack,” there were originally discussions about having two more digital characters in the film, including one of the most iconic actors of all time and the King of Rock n’ Roll.
According to THR, filmmaker Anton Ernst reveals that plans to include Elvis Presley and Paul Newman were originally thrown around as possibilities to join digital zombie James Dean in “Finding Jack.” However, talks with the Presley estate didn’t go so well and the filmmakers were turned down. And as for Newman, Ernst and Co. decided it was best to just stick with one CGI ghost. Anton Ernst
“We don’t want this to become a spectacle — more than it already is,” Ernst said.
Obviously, we now know that Ernst and his co-director Tati Golykh settled on just using the technology to digitally resurrect Dean. But now, there’s another challenge that the filmmakers face before making their upcoming film — finding co-stars that are willing to go up against James Dean.
“But it’s a good challenge: Can they outshine James Dean?” said the director. “You’re going to need someone with big balls.”
After Chris Evans and others went on social media to share their disgust at the idea of bringing back James Dean, it’ll be interesting to see which actors line up to star in the film. Clearly, there will be plenty of ready, willing, and able actors, especially given the high profile that “Finding Jack” has already received.