MiHoYo Replaces Voice Actors in Zenless Zone Zero Amid SAG-AFTRA Strike Controversy

In a move that has reignited industry debates, MiHoYo has recast the English voice actors for Lycaon and Soldier 11 in Zenless Zone Zero, just ahead of the game's major 1.6 update. This decision, revealed in the latest patch notes, comes after a similar replacement last year but with a stark difference: the actors themselves have publicly disclosed the reasons, citing the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike as the catalyst. Both Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Lycaon, and Emeri Chase, the voice behind Soldier 11, expressed profound disappointment at being replaced without prior notice, turning what could have been a routine update into a flashpoint for discussions on AI ethics and labor rights in gaming.

The controversy unfolded swiftly after MiHoYo announced the recasting in the patch notes, stating that "update 1.6 changes the English voice actors for Agents Lycaon and Soldier 11, and replaced the corresponding voice lines." This sent shockwaves through the Zenless Zone Zero community, prompting immediate responses from the affected actors on social media. Thurkettle, who is not a SAG-AFTRA member, lamented his lack of communication from MiHoYo or the studio Sound Cadence since October 2024, emphasizing that he was "fully available" and had recorded other projects during that period. His statement highlighted the personal sacrifice involved: "I took a personal stand to ask for protection, and had to be willing to give up the best thing that's ever happened in my professional life." Chase, a SAG-AFTRA member, was more explicit about the strike's role, explaining that she was replaced because she refused to work without an Interim Agreement during the strike, which seeks safeguards against AI "stealing performers' identities." Her heartfelt post added, "I knew that by withholding work it was possible I'd be replaced, though of course I hoped they would choose to leave her silent until I was able to return."

The SAG-AFTRA strike, which began in August 2023 and remains unresolved in early 2025, has become a cornerstone of this dispute. It centers on demands for protections against AI-generated voices and performances that could devalue human actors' work. As Chase noted, the outcome "will determine the future of our industry," making this not just a personal issue but a systemic battle. MiHoYo's handling of the recasting—failing to inform the actors beforehand—has drawn criticism for poor communication, echoing last year's mysterious replacements. In the gaming world, such abrupt changes are rare, and this incident has amplified calls for more transparent labor practices. Players and industry observers have reacted with a mix of support for the actors and frustration over potential impacts on game immersion. For instance, fan forums are buzzing with debates on whether new voice lines will align with the characters' established personas.

To address common queries, here are some 'People Also Ask' questions integrated into the narrative:

• Why were the voice actors recast? Both actors attribute it to the SAG-AFTRA strike; Chase declined work without an AI-protection agreement, while Thurkettle took a stand against AI threats despite not being union-affiliated.

• What is the SAG-AFTRA strike about? Launched in 2023, it fights for actor rights against AI misuse, including voice cloning and digital replacements, which could erode job security across entertainment.

• How does this affect Zenless Zone Zero? The recasting may disrupt character consistency in the upcoming update, potentially altering player experiences and fueling community backlash, as seen in social media trends.

Adding depth, the strike's persistence feels like a chess game where pawns are sacrificed for a checkmate against automation, and MiHoYo's silence toward the actors resembles an orchestra conductor changing soloists mid-performance without a cue. These metaphors underscore the tension between creative integrity and corporate efficiency.

Looking ahead, this incident could influence broader industry trends. With AI advancements accelerating, similar recastings might become more common unless unions and companies reach agreements. As the strike drags on, it serves as a stark reminder of the human cost in tech-driven entertainment. Thurkettle and Chase's unwavering stands—echoed in their final words: "I stand by my choices regardless of the outcome"—highlight the courage required in an era where voices can be digitally replicated. Ultimately, as the Zenless Zone Zero update rolls out, this episode not only mirrors last year's controversies but also amplifies the call for ethical practices, ensuring that the initial shockwaves lead to meaningful change rather than repeated disappointments.