The actors’ union SAG-AFTRA has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games and its signatory company Llama Productions for using an AI-generated Darth Vader voice in Fortnite. The union claims Epic failed to notify or bargain with them before using the AI voice, potentially breaking terms meant to protect performers from being replaced by artificial intelligence.
At the heart of the dispute is a digital copy of James Earl Jones’ classic Darth Vader voice that responds to Fortnite players in real time. Jones has already signed an agreement with Lucasfilm allowing his voice to be used in future Darth Vader projects via AI. However, SAG-AFTRA’s complaint is about Epic allegedly not following its deal with the union.
“[Epic] 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,” states the union’s official charge. This points to clauses in the Interactive Media Interim Agreement that say companies have to tell SAG-AFTRA before using AI that could replace work usually done by union members.
What makes this case stand out is how the AI works. The system lets Darth Vader have thousands of different conversations with players every day, responding to almost anything they say—which would be impossible for a traditional voice actor to record in advance. The AI version even mentions players’ usernames and jokes around with them off the cuff.
This argument is mainly about following the right steps, not about whether Epic was allowed to use Jones’ voice (which they apparently were through Lucasfilm/Disney), but about skipping the union process before rolling out the technology.
