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Black Ops 6’s Zombies Cast Shake-Up: What’s Really Happening?
December 20, 2024The sixth instalment of Call of Duty: Black Ops has made waves—not just for its undead chaos but for the quiet replacement of fan-favourite Zombies voice actors William Peck and Samantha Maxis. While Activision has been tight-lipped, the switch has sparked intense speculation, with the SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike adding layers to the mystery.
Here’s a deep dive into why your favourite characters sound a little different this time around.
Table of Contents
What Happened to the Zombies Cast?
Fans of the Zombies mode were quick to notice changes in the voices of William Peck and Samantha Maxis. Previously portrayed by Zeke Alton and Julie Nathanson, the characters now sport new vocal performances, leaving fans to question why Activision opted for the switch.
Alton, whose name is now missing from the credits, addressed the changes directly:
“To the best of my knowledge, that performance is not mine. My concern is for my brand as a performer. Fans reaching out believe the lack of crediting implies it’s still me, which misrepresents my abilities.”
While Nathanson remains credited generically, her role as Samantha Maxis is also believed to have been recast.
The Role of the SAG-AFTRA Strike
The timing of these changes coincides with the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, where performers are demanding stronger protections against the use of generative AI in entertainment. Voice actors have expressed concerns over being replaced by AI-generated performances, leading many to step away from projects until agreements are reached.
Activision’s response was carefully worded:
“Out of respect for all parties, we won’t comment on specifics. We respect the personal choice of these performers to strike and look forward to a mutually beneficial outcome.”
While the publisher avoided diving into details, the implications are clear: the strike has undeniably impacted the production process.
The AI Debate in Black Ops 6
This isn’t the first AI-related controversy surrounding Black Ops 6. Recently, fans criticized what they dubbed “AI slop” in promotional materials. A zombified Father Christmas with six fingers appeared on a loading screen, leading to accusations that AI-generated assets were being used.
Though some fans joked the six fingers were a subtle nod to this being the sixth Black Ops game, others saw it as a glaring example of AI mishaps. It’s no secret that generative AI often struggles with anatomy, especially when crafting human hands.
This incident has only fueled concerns that generative AI might be creeping into spaces traditionally dominated by human creativity—like voice acting and visual design.
Why the Recasting Matters
Fans have a deep connection with the voice actors who bring their favourite characters to life. Replacing familiar voices without clear communication risks alienating the audience, especially when iconic characters like Samantha Maxis and William Peck are involved.
Zeke Alton expressed his gratitude for past collaborations with Activision, saying:
“I absolutely adore the creative team and hope to collaborate in the future once all performers are protected against generative AI abuse.”
This statement highlights an industry-wide concern: performers want assurances that their unique contributions won’t be overshadowed—or outright replaced—by AI technology.
Fan Reactions: Mixed Emotions and Speculation
The fanbase is divided:
- Some support the striking actors and call for greater transparency from Activision.
- Others worry that ongoing disputes could compromise the quality and authenticity of the beloved Zombies mode.
Meanwhile, social media has been abuzz with theories about whether AI played a larger role in the game’s production than Activision is willing to admit.
The quiet recasting in Black Ops 6 may be just the beginning of broader industry changes. As the debate over AI intensifies, it’s clear that studios and performers will need to find common ground to balance innovation with creative integrity.
For fans, this means staying tuned—not just for updates on the game but for the evolving dynamics between creators, performers, and technology.
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