VFX reel shows how Carrie Fisher was edited into Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
The unexpected death of Carrie Fisher in 2016 had a deep emotional impact on Star Wars fans and left a question as to how the story of her character, Leia Organa, would end in The Rise of Skywalker.
Thankfully, the folks at VFX studio Industrial Light & Magic were able to use behind-the-scenes video and unused takes from Fisher’s performance in The Force Awakens to create enough realistic-looking footage that made it look like Fisher filmed new scenes for Episode IX.
ILM nabbed an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects for its work on Rise. Ahead of the 92nd Academy Award ceremony this Sunday, the studio released a VFX reel showing how General Leia was spliced into the film. Check it out:
Obviously, ILM did so much more than place Fisher into The Rise of Skywalker, but I find it incredibly fascinating that Billie Lourd’s (Fisher’s daughter) body and face were used as a template for the young Leia flashback. Mark Hamill as Young Luke Skywalker — taken from footage from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi — looked seamless, too.
Other impressive feats of visual effects magic include ILM’s work on Rey and Kylo Ren’s battle atop the wreckage of the Death Star in the ocean of Kef-Bir, which looked amazing. They also used a blend of practical stunts and CGI to render scenes like Rey’s backward somersault over Kylo Ren’s TIE Fighter.
The 92nd Academy Awards airs on ABC, this Sunday night.
Let’s dreamcast HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon. dark. Next
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.
Watch Game of Thrones for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels
h/t SyFy Wire