Capcom’s upcoming Mega Man game, titled Mega Man: Dual Override, might face some problems with getting the right voice actors. SAG-AFTRA (the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) has filed a “Do Not Work Order” against the project. This has led voice actor Ben Diskin, who voiced the titular character in Mega Man 11, to announce that he is no longer playing the role.
In a series of posts on social media platform BlueSky, Diskin revealed that he was “asked to return for Mega Man: Dual Override” on the condition that his contract would include none of the protections that are guaranteed by being a member of the SAG-AFTRA union. While he noted that Capcom offered assurances of “full A.I. protections in place that guarantee in writing that [my] voice will never be used for A.I. development,” Capcom also told him that it will not be a union project.
“While I certainly appreciate the acknowledgement of the concern around AI, working without a contract I can realistically enforce isn’t something I can risk,” he wrote. “The only way to enforce non-union contracts like this involves personally taking giant companies like Capcom to court and suing if I thought they’d used AI. I don’t have the mental, emotional, or monetary strength to survive a protracted legal fight.”
In further posts, Diskin believes that, while he thinks Capcom wouldn’t use AI in his heart, his head tells him that major corporations can’t really be trusted on these matters. “The video game industry is facing record layoffs and huge amounts of uncertainty,” he wrote. “I need a union contract to feel safe.”
“I truly wish Capcom was at least willing to speak with SAG-AFTRA about doing this game union. I expressed that I’d even be willing to work on a LOWER-budget union contract if it meant this flipped. It genuinely wasn’t about the money for me.”
“It’s been an honor voicing Mega Man in Mega Man 11, the best-selling game in the series’ history and watching Mega Man reclaim his rightful place as a gaming icon.
As for the “Do Not Work Order” by SAG-AFTRA, working on a project where the order has been issued could result in the violation of the union’s “Global Rule One.” The penalties for these violations range from a large fine on the actor, to outright expulsion from the union.
“Please be advised that the producer of the video game production entitled Mega Man: Dual Override has failed to initiate the signatory process,” wrote the union in a statement. “As such, SAG-AFTRA members are hereby instructed to withhold any acting services or performance of any covered work for this production until further notice from the union. Please note, accepting employment or rendering services on Mega Man: Dual Override may be considered a violation of Global Rule One. Violating this order may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the SAG-AFTRA Constitution.”
Mega Man: Dual Override was officially unveiled back in December, and is slated to come to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027. While no other details have been revealed, the reveal trailer did give us a look at some of the classic gameplay that will revolve around side-scrolling platforming and action.
