In light of recent reports regarding a potential recasting of the voice actors for the Black Ops 6 Zombies, Activision has issued a statement that left fans feeling disheartened, particularly during the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
Treyarch’s new Zombies map, Citadelle des Morts, featured in the Season 1 Reloaded update, has captivated players with its enthralling narrative and engaging gameplay. The quest to complete the main story’s Easter egg and to acquire the new Wonder Weapons has rekindled fans’ appreciation for the Zombies mode, showcasing its peak potential.
However, beneath the excitement surrounding this new map lies a concerning issue that could significantly affect the future of the Zombies franchise. For over a decade, Julie Nathanson has lent her voice to the character of Samantha Maxis across six different titles. Similarly, Zeke Alton, who voiced William Peck in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and in Terminus for BO6, appears to have been replaced by new actors in the Citadelle des Morts.
Are the BO6 Zombies Voice Actors Really Changed on Citadelle des Morts?
In a discussion with Game Developer, Alton addressed the claims of recasting, mentioning, “To the best of my knowledge, that performance is not [mine].” He added, “My only concern is for my brand as a performer. Fans of the game have reached out to me because the lack of crediting [of the replacement actor] implies that it may still be me, which unfairly represents my abilities as a performer.”
When asked about his potential return to the series, Alton expressed hope: “I sincerely hope to collaborate in the future once all performers are protected against generative AI abuse.”
In an official response to the recasting claims, Activision stated, “We respect the personal choice of these performers. Out of respect for all parties, we won’t add new commentary about the ongoing negotiations with SAG-AFTRA. We look forward to a mutually beneficial outcome as soon as possible.”
For context, the SAG-AFTRA union, representing professionals in the media industry including video game voice actors, initiated a strike on July 25, 2024. This occurred due to an inability to reach an agreement with gaming companies regarding necessary protections against the use of artificial intelligence.
SAG-AFTRA has emphasized that during negotiations, employers did not provide written assurances of protections for actors from AI utilization. Consequently, the union moved to strike after failing to agree upon these critical terms.
Additionally, a recent leak regarding Call of Duty 2025 has indicated that the original Zombies cast may return for upcoming maps, although it remains uncertain whether the ongoing strike will affect the voice talent for the game.
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