It’s been called the most famous voice in the movies. But actor James Earl Jones, the iconic voice behind Star Wars villain Darth Vader, is retiring from the role at age 91.
However, Walt Disney (DIS) says it plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to re-create Jones voice and keep Darth Vader alive.
Jones has been actively working with Lucasfilm, the company that produces the Star Wars films and TV shows, to use AI and machine learning to continue with Darth Vader’s voice in perpetuity.
The AI has already been used to voice Darth Vader, as well as a young Luke Skywalker, in the Star Wars TV programs “Obi-Wan Kenobi” and “The Book of Boba Fett.”
Disney bought Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion U.S. in 2012. Since then, the Mouse House has released three full-length mainline series films and two spinoffs, as well as numerous TV shows.
Each of those projects, except for “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” earned more than $1 billion U.S.
Disney has also created multiple animated Star Wars shows and theme park attractions.
As Disney expands the Star Wars universe, it’s turning to technology to keep characters alive for the next generation of audiences as the original actors involved in the movies age and die.
Disney’s stock is down 37% this year and trading at $98.12 U.S. per share.
