Epic Games is accused of using AI for Darth Vader's voice in Fortnite

The incorporation of artificial intelligence in the world of entertainment continues to generate controversy. This time, Epic Games, developer of the successful video game Fortnite, faces a formal complaint from the American union SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists). The reason: the use of an AI model to replicate the voice of Darth Vader, originally performed by James Earl Jones.

For the guild, this decision represents a violation of current labor standards and a direct threat to the job sources of professional actors and actresses. The controversy highlights an increasingly urgent debate: where are the ethical and legal boundaries in the use of technology to replace human talent?

A digital replica that reopens old fears

The controversy began when Epic Games introduced in Fortnite a chatbot that precisely imitated the voice of Darth Vader, without resorting to active actors. Although the company claims to have received authorization from Jones's family to use his voice, SAG-AFTRA warned that this doesn't solve the underlying problem: the replacement of artists by artificial intelligence.

According to the union, these practices erode labor rights and marginalize professionals who could contribute authentic and creative interpretations to the final product.  The complaint was filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), in line with the actions the guild had already been promoting since last year's strike.

The fear of a new paradigm in acting work

Actors, actresses, voice actors, and other professionals in the sector have expressed their concern about the advance of AI in areas where human work was once indispensable. The possibility of replicating voices, expressions, and gestures through algorithms presents an unprecedented scenario that forces a rethinking of regulations and contracts.

From SAG-AFTRA, they demand that any implementation of AI in the entertainment field must have prior dialogue, explicit consent, and legal protection of human work.

Epic Games and an ambiguous response

So far, Epic Games hasn't issued a public statement about the complaint, although it has been reported that it implemented technical adjustments to limit the use of the controversial chatbot, which could be interpreted as an implicit acknowledgment of the claims.

Even with family approval, ethical doubts persist. Is it fair to use the voice of a deceased actor without the mediation of living performers? What implications will this have for the future of dubbing and digital acting?

This case could set a key precedent in the relationship between creativity, labor rights, and new technologies. The conflict between SAG-AFTRA and Epic Games promises to continue adding chapters in an industry that, while advancing in innovation, must also redefine its ethical and professional boundaries.