Virtual Legality

Virtual Legality is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).

SAG AFTRA, Darth Vader, and the Future of Performance in a World of AI

May 21, 2025 • 24 mins

In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg discusses the controversy surrounding Darth Vader's AI-generated voice in Fortnite and the resulting legal actions by SAG AFTRA. He discusses the implications of AI replacing human performers and SAG AFTRA's stance on the matter. The episode includes an analysis of the National Labor Relations Act, licensing issues, and the legal distinctions between filing charges and lawsuits. Hoeg also explores potential outcomes of the NLRB's findings on the complaint and the future of AI in voice acting contracts. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a call for listener feedback.

Key Points

Epic Games' use of an AI-generated Darth Vader voice in Fortnite, featuring the late James Earl Jones' voice, has sparked controversy and legal challenges from the voice actors' union, SAG AFTRA.
The union argues that using AI-generated voices without proper negotiation undermines the work of human performers and violates collective bargaining rights.
The legal and ethical implications of generative AI in entertainment are complex and evolving, raising significant questions about employment, intellectual property, and the future of creative professions.

LINKS

AI VADER https://www.fortnite.com/news/this-will-be-a-day-long-remembered-speak-with-darth-vader-in-fortnite https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/ai-voiced-darth-vader-can-swear-say-skibidi-toilet-in-fortnite-how-to-find-it/ https://x.com/Fortnite/status/1923397890241593822

SAG AFTRA CHARGE https://x.com/IGN/status/1924616331057332619 https://www.ign.com/articles/voice-actor-union-files-unfair-labor-practice-charge-over-fortnites-ai-darth-vader https://www.sagaftra.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/Llama%20Productions%20ULP%20Charge.pdf https://www.sagaftra.org/sites/default/files/2025-03/IMA%20Comparison%20Chart.pdf

THE LAW https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/29/158 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/29/157 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/29/159

Speakers

Richard Hoeg

Host • 100%

Chapters

0:14	Introduction to the episode and topics
0:41	Darth Vader in Fortnite and AI voice controversy
2:40	SAG AFTRA's legal actions and implications
3:22	Call for listener support and Patreon
7:22	SAG AFTRA's stance on AI replacing human performers
9:23	Potential outcomes of NLRB's findings on the complaint
10:07	Legal distinctions between filings and lawsuits
11:06	Analysis of the National Labor Relations Act and licensing issues
16:31	Future of AI in voice acting contracts
21:42	Closing remarks and call for listener feedback

Transcript

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