Zenless Zone Zero voice actors replaced following SAG-AFTRA strike decisions

Two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors have been recast after opting to take a stand as the SAG-AFTRA strike over AI persists.

As reported by Eurogamer, voice talents Emeri Chase and Nicholas Thurkettle have been replaced as of Version 1.6. It should be noted, however, that neither actor was compelled to strike against Zenless Zone Zero as part of SAG-AFTRA as the game is not officially “struck”, though it isn’t part of a SAG Interim Agreement either.

Furthermore, Thurkettle isn’t part of SAG-AFTRA’s union but took a “personal stand“.

Both actors claimed to have learned about the voice changes via the Version 1.6 patch notes rather than from Zenless Zone Zero’s recording studio Sound Cadence Studios directly.

“Shock” and “unwilling”

Chase previously voiced Solder 11 but claimed to be “unwilling to perform work not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during a strike for AI protections”.

Thurkettle voiced Lycaon and noted his “shock” at being replaced. He posted on Bluesky: “Neither HoYoverse nor Sound Cadence has communicated with me since October.”

Sound Cadence Studios has since stated that it respects all actors’ decisions in navigating the strike and supports SAG-AFTRA’s AI negotiations.

The VA studio posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Every contract at our studio features explicit AI protections, regardless of union status. Much of our staff are actors themselves and could not in good conscience offer other performers work we would not be willing to take.

“The decision to recast talent on any project is not made lightly. While sometimes our hands are tied as to what we can communicate and when, we understand how personally actors take their roles and always want to ensure that no one is ever blindsided.”

We have reached out to Zenless Zone Zero developer HoYoverse for comment.