Sun May 18 08:00:00 UTC 2025: ## News Article:

**Darth Vader’s Voice Lives On in Fortnite Thanks to AI, with Family’s Blessing**

**LOS ANGELES** – The iconic voice of Darth Vader, brought to life by the late James Earl Jones, will be featured in Fortnite, allowing players to interact with the Sith Lord in real-time. The Walt Disney Co. and Epic Games announced today that users will be able to chat with Vader within the game, utilizing a voice recreation powered by generative AI, with the blessing of the actor’s family.

The dialogue will be generated by Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash model, while the audio itself is being produced by ElevenLabs’ Flash v2.5 model. Disney and Epic Games emphasized that this innovative feature was developed in “close consultation” with Jones’ family, ensuring transparency, consent, and safety.

“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,” stated the family. They hope this collaboration will allow both longtime fans and newer generations to share in the enjoyment of the iconic character.

The move underscores the growing role of generative AI in the entertainment industry and addresses the question of how iconic voices can be preserved and utilized responsibly after an actor’s passing. Epic Games has implemented safety measures, requiring parental permission for users under 13 or the age of digital consent to engage with Vader’s AI. Users will also have the ability to report anything said by the character.

“James Earl Jones’ legendary vocal performance is a defining element of what makes Darth Vader one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history,” said Sean Shoptaw, executive vp Disney Games and Digital Entertainment. “Disney, Lucasfilm, and Epic Games are honored to bring his voice to Fortnite for millions of players to experience.”

This announcement coincides with the launch of “Galactic Battle,” a new Star Wars season in Fortnite, further strengthening the partnership between Disney and Epic Games. Last year, Disney invested $1.5 billion in Epic, signaling their commitment to building an in-game universe featuring Disney intellectual property.

The collaboration marks a significant step in utilizing AI to preserve and expand access to beloved characters, while prioritizing ethical considerations and respecting the legacy of the artists who brought them to life.

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