An actors’ union is suing the makers of the Fortnite video game over the use of AI to create an interactive Darth Vader.
Fortnite announced last week it had got permission from the family of James Earl Jones to make a chatty Star Wars villain based on the late actor’s voice work in the smash hit space opera series.
Using AI models, developer Epic Games introduced the Emperor’s consigliere into Battle Royale, a player-versus-player version of Fortnite in which squads form to defeat other contestants online.
Users were quick to adopt the Sith Lord on their missions, posting clips of their interactions with one of cinema’s most famous bad guys.
Many enjoyed the character’s wit, laughing as Darth Vader teased players for poor technique or cheating. When asked about his McDonald’s order, he joked, “The empire has no need for fast food,” but would choose a Chicken Selects Meal with fries and a Coke.
However, actors’ union SAG-AFTRA criticized the use of AI, saying it threatens performers’ jobs. The union, representing around 160,000 members, said Epic Games did not consult them about AI use and filed an unfair labor practice claim with the National Labor Relations Board.
Epic Games did not respond to inquiries, but James Earl Jones’s family expressed support for the project, hoping it would connect longtime and new fans.
Concerns over AI recreating actors’ likenesses have grown, contributing to Hollywood strikes in 2023 and a video game actors’ strike in July 2024. AFP