In case you hadn’t heard, there’s a new Will Smith movie coming out soon called Gemini Man.
Paramount Pictures
It’s actually been in the ~works~ for a couple decades, having gone through what is known in Hollywood as “development hell.”
The premise follows Will Smith as Henry Brogan, an elite assassin, who is suddenly targeted and pursued by a mysterious young operative that seemingly can predict his every move. The young operative, of course, turns out to be a younger version of himself.
Paramount Pictures
I love this idea so much.
And the “young” Will Smith in the movie is 100% computer generated — meaning, they did not use face replacement* or de-aging** computer technology on the real Will Smith’s face.
Paramount Pictures
*Using tracking and color correction, visual effects teams will often replace the face of a stunt double or stand-in in films with the lead actors’ faces.
**De-aging is the visual effects technique of, again, using tracking dots on an actors’ face, but instead of replacing their face, actually “de-aging” the face to look younger (think Samuel L. Jackson in Captain Marvel).
And if you don’t believe me, here’s a quick look at how the visual effects team for Gemini Man did it.
Paramount Pictures
The filmmakers didn’t get into details, but it’s apparently a new technology they’ve invented.
And while the younger character — Junior — is a completely digital creation, it’s still Will Smith’s performance underneath.
Paramount Pictures
Gemini Man is being helmed by master filmmaker Ang Lee. So, it’s probably no surprise he’s pushing the boundries of visual effects, given his impressive visual track record.
Paramount Pictures
See: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Life of Pi.
Gemini Man opens in theaters on Oct. 11, 2019.