Sag-Aftra Says Fortnite’s AI Darth Vader Vader Voice Violates Fair Labor Practice
Unions represent SAG-AFTRA, performer of film, television and interactive media, submitted unfair labor practices (ULP) to target Epic Games submissions to use the current AI-generated version of Darth Vader Fortnite. Disney and Epics first announced on May 16 Fortnite Use the AI-generated version of James Earl Jones’ voice to express the character.
The problem in SAG-AFTRA’s eyes is that the union is currently on strike during a new contract with video game companies and using AI-generated voices representing Epic refuses to “bargain sincerely.” The AI-driven version of Darth Vader is interactive, but that doesn’t change the fact that Darth Vader’s video game version is often played by actors other than Jones.
Disney has licensed Jones and his family to use AI to copy the sound of movies and TV in 2022, so there is a precedent for such AI performances. After Jones died in September 2024, the AI route was technically the only way to use Darth Vader’s “raw sound” rather than repeating past performance clips. Of course, unless Epic or Disney wants to pay another actor to play Darth Vader, that will require a deal on a new contract for video game performers.
ULP documents are reviewed by the National Labor Review Board and may lead to hearings and injunctions (e.g., the court ordered the EPIC to remove Darth Vader from the game, for example, until a settlement was reached). They are also often used as a way for unions to provoke companies back to negotiation forms or respond with more realistic offers. SAG-AFTRA’s interactive media strike has been underway since July 26, 2024. SAG-AFTRA members initially voted for the September 2023 strike in search of better wages and AI protection.
Engadget has stood out with Disney and Epic to comment on SAG-AFTRA’s ULP application. If we hear back, we will update this article.
