Looks like Fortnite just stepped into a galaxy of legal trouble. SAG-AFTRA, the union that reps film, TV, and voice talent, has officially filed an unfair labor practice charge against Llama Productions—aka the Epic Games-owned entity behind Fortnite—over its use of an AI-generated Darth Vader voice in the mega-popular game.
James Earl Jones’s family made this statement regarding Fortnite’s use of his voice: James Earl felt that the voice of Darth Vader was inseparable from the story of Star Wars, and he always wanted fans of all ages to continue to experience it. We hope that this collaboration with Fortnite will allow both longtime fans of Darth Vader and newer generations to share in the enjoyment of this iconic character.
According to the union’s filing with the National Labor Relations Board, Llama Productions “unilaterally” replaced human voice actors with synthetic ones without any notice or bargaining with the union. The voice in question mimics the unmistakable rhythm and gravitas of James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader—arguably one of cinema’s most iconic vocal performances. The union’s beef? They weren’t consulted, and human jobs were replaced with machine code.
“…the voice in question mimics the unmistakable rhythm and gravitas of James Earl Jones…”
In a statement, SAG-AFTRA made it clear they’re not anti-tech, saying they “celebrate the right of our members and their estates to control the use of their digital replicas” and “welcome the use of new technologies.” But they also laid down the law: studios still need to play ball and negotiate the terms, especially when replacing actual labor with ones and zeros.
The complaint, filed on May 19, 2025, argues that this move violates Sections 8(a)(1) and (5) of the National Labor Relations Act. SAG-AFTRA contends that Epic’s use of AI voices in Fortnite, without warning or discussion, amounts to a direct attack on fair labor practices in the digital performance space.
This comes after a year in which AI-driven performances and digital replicas have become the new battleground between creatives and corporate tech giants. While some view synthetic voice and likeness tools as the future of entertainment, unions like SAG-AFTRA are drawing a hard line to ensure artists—living or deceased—aren’t digitally strip-mined without consent or compensation.
And here’s the kicker: this isn’t just about Darth Vader. This is about who controls the future of performance. Is it going to be the creatives who shaped these legendary roles—or tech companies cutting corners with code?
For an industry already teetering on the edge of post-strike fallout, Fortnite’s AI Vader might just become the rallying cry for performers everywhere.
Welcome to the next front in the digital labor war. Stay tuned, because this fight is far from over—and we’ve got a bad feeling about it.
