SAG-AFTRA Reportedly Drops Complaint Against Fortnite Over AI Darth Vader Voice

AI Darth Vader in Fortnite (Credit: Epic Games)

SAG-AFTRA has reportedly withdrawn its complaint against Epic Games over the use of AI to replicate Darth Vader’s voice in Fortnite.

While no official statement has been issued by either the union or Epic, multiple reputable sources on X, including leaker ShiinaBR, shared on July 31, 2025, that the charge had been dropped.

The timing of this development closely follows the ratification of a new Interactive Media Agreement (IMA) in early July, suggesting a likely connection between the two events.

To recap, the dispute started back in May 2025 when Fortnite introduced an interactive Darth Vader NPC during Chapter 6, Season 3. What caught attention wasn’t just the character itself—but the voice behind it. The AI-powered voice was based on James Earl Jones, the legendary actor who originally voiced Vader in the Star Wars films in the 1980s. Although Jones had given Disney permission before his death in 2024 to use AI to preserve his voice, SAG-AFTRA took issue with how it was used in this case.

The union filed an unfair labor practice charge against Llama Productions, a subsidiary of Epic Games, claiming that the company made the decision to use AI without informing or bargaining with the union. The complaint was filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

At the time, SAG-AFTRA stated, “Llama Productions chose to replace the work of human performers with A.I. technology... without providing any notice of their intent to do this and without bargaining with us.” The complaint argued that this violated existing labor agreements and highlighted growing concerns about AI in the entertainment industry.

Now, with the new Interactive Media Agreement in place—approved on July 9/10, after nearly a year of negotiations—it seems some of those concerns have been addressed. The new contract includes firm guidelines around AI usage, requiring performer consent and proper disclosure.

James Earl Jones’ family had also weighed in earlier this year, supporting the collaboration with Fortnite and seeing it as a way to honor the actor’s legacy. This came after some early backlash, especially when players noticed the AI Vader spouting awkward or out-of-character lines (which Epic quickly fixed).

So, until either SAG-AFTRA or Epic Games officially confirms the resolution, it’s best to take this development with a grain of salt.