The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games' subsidiary Llama Productions over the use of an AI-generated Darth Vader voice in Fortnite. The union alleges that Llama Productions used the AI voice without bargaining with them, replacing human voice actors who previously worked on matching Darth Vader's iconic rhythm and tone in video games.
The AI-generated voice was developed with the consent of James Earl Jones' estate, who passed away in 2024. Jones had given his blessing for the artificial recreation of his voice as Darth Vader. However, SAG-AFTRA's issue lies not with the use of AI itself, but with the lack of negotiation and agreement on terms regarding the replacement of human voice actors with AI-generated voices.
This move is part of SAG-AFTRA's ongoing battle against unchecked AI use in the entertainment industry, particularly in video games. The union has been striking against video game companies since July 2024, seeking protections for performers regarding AI-generated performances and digital replicas.
The dispute highlights the growing tension between the entertainment industry and the increasing use of AI technology, with SAG-AFTRA fighting to protect the rights and interests of human performers.
