James Earl Jones may have passed away last year, but his legendary voice is set to resonate once again. Starting today, players of Fortnite will have the unique opportunity to engage with Darth Vader, a character brought to life with the iconic voice of Jones, thanks to advancements in generative AI.
Collaborating closely with Jones’ family, The Walt Disney Co. and Epic Games have ensured that this revival honors the late actor’s legacy. The dialogue for Darth Vader will be generated using Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash model, while ElevenLabs’ Flash v2.5 model will produce the audio. In a statement, Jones’ family expressed their hope that this collaboration would allow fans of all ages to experience the character they love.
The decision to use Jones’ voice marks a significant evolution in the entertainment landscape, illustrating how generative AI can reshape storytelling. Previously, voice actors would attempt to imitate Jones while he was alive. Now, with this technology, Fortnite offers a more authentic interaction with Darth Vader.
Disney and Epic Games emphasized their commitment to ethical practices in this endeavor, ensuring transparency, consent, and user safety. To this end, players under the age of 13 must have parental permission to chat with Vader, and they will have the capability to report any inappropriate dialogue. Notably, while players will converse with the character, their own voices will not be stored or used for AI training.
Sean Shoptaw, executive vice president of Disney Games and Digital Entertainment, remarked on the importance of Jones’ voice in cementing Darth Vader’s status as a cinematic icon. Both Disney and Epic Games are thrilled to integrate this feature into Fortnite, demonstrating a responsible embrace of new technologies in storytelling.
Furthermore, this launch comes as part of a broader collaboration between Disney and Epic Games for an expansive new “Galactic Battle” season in Fortnite. This partnership aligns with Disney’s recent $1.5 billion investment in Epic, aimed at enhancing their in-game universe utilizing Disney’s intellectual property.
As generative AI continues to transform the entertainment industry, this unique initiative not only keeps James Earl Jones’ iconic performance alive but also paves the way for innovative interactions for fans, echoing the sentiment of both nostalgia and forward-thinking creativity.