INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
For voice actors who previously portrayed Darth Vader in video games, the Fortnite feature starkly illustrates how AI voice synthesis could
While James Earl Jones created the iconic voice for films, at least 54 voice actors have performed as Vader in various media games over the
be read online here) doesn't focus on the AI feature's technical problems or on permission from the Jones estate, which explicitly
authorized the use of a synthesized version of his voice for the character in Fortnite
The late actor, who died in 2024, had signed over his Darth Vader voice rights before his death.Instead, the union's grievance centers on
labor rights and collective bargaining
In the NLRB filing, SAG-AFTRA alleges that Llama Productions "failed and refused to bargain in good faith with the union by making
unilateral changes to terms and conditions of employment, without providing notice to the union or the opportunity to bargain, by utilizing
AI-generated voices to replace bargaining unit work on the Interactive Program Fortnite."The action comes amid SAG-AFTRA's ongoing
interactive media strike, which began in July 2024 after negotiations with video game producers stalled primarily over AI protections
The strike continues, with more than 100 games signing interim agreements, while others, including those from major publishers like Epic,
