Actors' union sues Fortnite over AI Darth Vader

The actors' union SAG-AFTRA has initiated a lawsuit against the creators of Fortnite, Epic Games, over the usage of AI to develop an interactive version of Darth Vader, as announced on Monday. Last week, Fortnite revealed it had secured permission from the family of the late James Earl Jones to create a chatty rendition of the iconic "Star Wars" villain, leveraging Jones’s legendary voice work.

Epic Games utilized AI models to introduce Darth Vader as a character in Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode, where players form squads to compete against others online. Gamers quickly embraced the Sith Lord, sharing clips of their interactions with this beloved cinematic antagonist. Many enjoyed the character's sharp wit, often laughing at his playful jabs about their gameplay. For instance, when one player inquired about his McDonald's order, Vader replied, "The empire has no need for fast food," humorously suggesting he would opt for a Chicken Selects Meal with large fries and a Coca-Cola.

However, SAG-AFTRA expressed its discontent, arguing that the use of AI in video games threatens job opportunities for performers. In a statement, the union emphasized the importance of its members and their estates retaining control over digital representations, while also advocating for negotiation rights concerning the use of voices that could replace human work. The union claims that Epic Games’ subsidiary did not consult its negotiators regarding the implementation of AI in this context.

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 members and has filed a complaint for unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board, which safeguards workers' rights to organize and negotiate collectively. Meanwhile, Epic Games has not yet responded to inquiries but noted that Jones's family expressed satisfaction with the project, hoping it would resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences alike.

Concerns over the use of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry have surged, particularly as technology advances, making it easier to digitally recreate actors' likenesses. The strikes that disrupted Hollywood in 2023 were partly fueled by fears that studios might increasingly rely on digital models, leading to potential job losses for human performers. In response, video game actors began their own strike against major industry players in July 2024.