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

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.

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

(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