The recent location shooting in East London meant that filming was about one-third complete when Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment. Cast and crew were due to get together again in Toronto next week, although that was called off as soon as news emerged of the actor's death.

It would not be the first time that CGI had been used to complete a role. It was used most notably after the death of Oliver Reed to finish off the actor's performance in Ridley Scott's Gladiator, although in that case shooting was much closer to completion.

An alternative for Gilliam, notorious as a director whose projects hit unexpected snags, is to appoint another actor to take over in Ledger's role, specifically after a scene when his character steps through a magic mirror. The American Johnny Depp, who has worked with Gilliam in the past, is seen as the most likely contender.