AI Brings James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader to Life in Fortnite

Okay, buckle up because this is a bit of a ride. Imagine this: you’re playing Fortnite—yeah, that crazy world where construction and chaos collide—and suddenly, bam, you can chat with Darth Vader. The real deal, voice of James Earl Jones and all. Yep, even after his passing in 2024. How’s that for a plot twist?

Epic Games teamed up with Disney, and poof, Vader’s back. It’s not some ghostly comeback, though. Nope, it’s all AI magic, with Jones’ family giving the thumbs up—guess they figured, why not let the legend continue, right?

Anyway, picture this: you’re chasing down enemies, then—oh look, a “Darth Vader” button appears! Click it, and suddenly you’re having a chinwag with the dark lord himself. They kicked out some Darth Samurai, which honestly, no clue why he was there in the first place. But hey, priorities.

Behind this digital sorcery is Google’s Gemini something-or-other and some ElevenLabs tech doing…the science-y bits. Basically, you speak, Darth answers, and it’s like having Vader in your headset—kinda wild.

Backtrack to when Jones was alive, he waved the OK flag for Respeecher (yeah, another tech whiz company) to clone his voice for Star Wars. Then Epic got their turn later. Guess it’s Vader’s voice echoing on and on. Sound waves in the galaxy or something poetic like that.

Jones’ family chimed in, kinda heartwarming, saying his voice is woven into the Star Wars saga, and now everyone—young and old—gets to share the nostalgia. Honestly, way to keep the legend alive. Breaks my heart a little, but in a good way, if that makes sense.

For the privacy folks—yeah, always a plot twist—Epic’s like, “Chill, we’re not keeping your conversations or anything.” But if Vader goes rogue and says something wacky, you can report it. Classic stuff, blame the villain.

Oh, and worrywarts can toggle some parental controls for the kiddos. Because who needs a toddler gossiping with a Sith Lord, am I right?

Anyway, this latest Fortnite chapter is all about Star Wars vibes. Think X-wings swooshing ’round, AT-ATs hanging about, and Star Destroyers casting shadows. It’s like the game said, “Hold my lightsaber, I’m going full Star Wars!”

So yeah, that’s the scoop. Off you go—may the Force, or whatever, be with you.