tl;dr
SAG-AFTRA filed a labor complaint against Llama Productions, a subsidiary of Epic Games, accusing them of replacing voice actors with AI without union consent, specifically regarding an AI-generated Darth Vader character in Fortnite's "Galactic Battles" event. The union alleges Llama Productions vio...
SAG-AFTRA has filed a labor complaint against Llama Productions, an Epic Games subsidiary, accusing the company of replacing voice actors with AI in Fortnite without union consent, violating labor agreements. This issue centers on an AI-generated Darth Vader character featured in Fortnite’s “Galactic Battles” event.
The union alleges that Llama Productions failed to notify or negotiate with SAG-AFTRA before using AI voices, prompting a request to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to issue a formal complaint for failure to bargain in good faith. SAG-AFTRA emphasizes its essential role in any decision to replace human work with AI technology, stressing that employers must negotiate such changes before implementation.
This complaint arises amid an ongoing SAG-AFTRA voice actors’ strike since July 2024, with AI use in game development a major point of contention. The controversy includes concerns over AI use of licensed voices of deceased actors, such as James Earl Jones, the original voice of Darth Vader, whose voice Lucasfilm is authorized to use under a licensing agreement.
SAG-AFTRA supports members and estates controlling digital replicas but insists that bargaining rights be protected, even when dealing with AI-generated voices replicating iconic performances. The union is pushing for reinstatement of affected employees and back pay should the NLRB find violations, alongside notices informing workers of their rights and case outcomes.
This case highlights the evolving challenges posed by AI in entertainment, sparking questions about the balance between innovation and labor rights in an industry increasingly relying on digital technology.