One of the most iconic voices in cinema has called it a day
James Earl Jones is stepping back from his role voicing Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise.
The 91-year-old actor first voiced the iconic villain in the original 1977 film, with Vader being physically portrayed by David Prowse.
Jones went on to voice Vader in all of the Star Wars films and many of the character’s appearances in television series as well.
Most recently, he was credited as providing the voice of the Sith Lord in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi.
James Earl Jones is stepping back from voicing #DarthVader
End of an era
(via @VanityFair) pic.twitter.com/4j2pNzTc4Q
— ScreenTime (@screentime) September 23, 2022
But many had wondered whether Disney had used A.I. studio Respeecher to provide Jones’ voice. Despite his age, there was very little difference between Jones’ voice in the 2022 series to his voice in the original films.
Vanity Fair reports that Disney had previously worked with the Ukrainian A.I. company to generate a Luke Skywalker’s voice in The Book of Boba Fett.
The owner of one of cinema’s most epic and iconic voices of all-time, James Earl Jones, has retired from voicing Darth Vader.
Thank you for literally everything. May your retirement be full of love and peace. I’m tearing up right now just writing this. ❤️❤️❤️ #thankyoujames pic.twitter.com/wzZ12luAdo
— MaceAhWindu 🇵🇸 (@MaceAhWindu) September 24, 2022
The people behind the A.I. revealed to the publication that Jones has signed off on the technology and even advises them on it.
Jones has signed off on Disney and Lucasfilm being allowed to use his archival voice, so despite walking away from providing new recordings for the franchise, it seems like there are no plans to end Vader’s involvement in future or current Star Wars projects.
The Voice of Cinema’s greatest villain, James Earl Jones, has officially retired from voicing Darth Vader
For the rest of my life, I will always love James Earl Jones for what he gave to Star Wars and my life. #WeLoveYouJames pic.twitter.com/m2kmLL0lqS
— Okiro (@TheFirstOkiro) September 24, 2022
Along with providing the voice to one of cinema’s most terrifying villains, Jones is also known for voicing Mufasa in the Lion King films, and has had an extensive career in film, television and theatre.
In 2011, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award at the Oscars.
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