Epic Games Uses AI to Resurrect James Earl Jones' Darth Vader Voice in ‘Fortnite’: Players Already Push Boundaries with Swearing

Epic Games and Disney have introduced a new feature in the popular battle royale game "Fortnite" as part of the ongoing "Galactic Battle" seasonal event, allowing players to converse with Darth Vader using AI. Despite the initial unease surrounding the use of AI to recreate the voice of James Earl Jones, who passed away last year, the feature has been rolled out with the blessing of Jones' estate. Fortnite players can now strategize with the virtual Sith Lord, ask questions about the Force and the galactic empire, and receive responses that sound strikingly like Jones' iconic portrayal. The voice is recreated using Google's Gemini 2.0 and ElevenLabs' Flash v2.5 AI models. The integration of AI-generated Darth Vader voice is part of a broader trend in the entertainment industry to preserve and extend the legacy of beloved artists. In 2022, before his death, James Earl Jones signed over the rights to his voice to Lucasfilm, enabling Respeecher, a Ukrainian voice cloning start-up, to recreate it for future Star Wars projects. The family of James Earl Jones expressed their support for the initiative, stating that Jones believed the voice of Darth Vader was integral to the Star Wars story and wanted fans of all ages to continue experiencing it. Consequently, the virtual conversation feature aims to bridge the gap between old and new Star Wars fans, enhancing the interactivity and immersion of the "Fortnite: Galactic Battle" event. However, the launch of the AI-powered Darth Vader has not been without controversy. On May 16, 2025, several gamers, including popular Twitch streamer Loserfruit, discovered they could make the AI version of Darth Vader swear. Loserfruit shared a video on X/Twitter showing the AI version saying "Fuck," much to the surprise and amusement of many viewers. In response, Fortnite's developers have implemented restrictions to prevent the AI from engaging in inappropriate or harmful conversations. These restrictions include prohibiting discussions about self-harm, abuse, eating disorders, and attempts to manipulate or jailbreak the AI system. Epic Games' previous attempts to honor deceased cultural figures have faced criticism. In 2021, the game tried to commemorate civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an interactive event. Unfortunately, technical glitches and insensitive player behavior marred the event, leading King's daughter, Bernice King, to distance herself from the celebration. This historical context underscores the importance of careful implementation and moderation in such features to maintain respect and integrity. The "Galactic Battle" event in Fortnite is packed with Star Wars-themed content, including skins for characters like Poe Dameron and Emperor Palpatine, and vehicles like TIE fighters. Players can engage in both ground and aerial combat, adding a new layer of excitement and strategy to the game. The inclusion of the AI-powered Darth Vader adds a unique interactive element, making the event more engaging and memorable for players. Despite the potential risks and backlash, industry insiders generally view the introduction of the AI-generated Vader voice as a significant technological achievement. The capability to seamlessly integrate realistic AI voices into games opens up new possibilities for interactive storytelling and character engagement. Companies like Respeecher and ElevenLabs are at the forefront of voice cloning technology, and their collaboration with major entertainment stakeholders like Disney and Epic Games highlights the growing importance of AI in the media and entertainment industry. Epic Games and Disney are hopeful that this feature will enhance the Star Wars experience for both long-time fans and new generations. The family’s endorsement and the implementation of strict content moderation guidelines aim to ensure the AI respects James Earl Jones' legacy and provides an enjoyable, family-friendly experience. However, the event’s success will ultimately depend on how effectively Epic Games can manage and monitor player interactions with the AI, avoiding the pitfalls of their past endeavors. In summary, the AI-driven Darth Vader in "Fortnite" represents a significant advancement in AI and interactive entertainment, but it also brings to light the challenges of preserving and respecting the legacies of deceased artists in a digital age. Epic Games and Disney must navigate these waters carefully to ensure the feature remains a positive contribution to the gaming community.