“I’m Learning About This As You Are”, Zenless Zone Zero Voice Actors Speak Out After Being Replaced

Last year, MiHoYo recast two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors, with mystery surrounding the reason for the replacements.

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Now, the same thing has happened, with the voice actors for both Lycaon and Soldier 11 recast ahead of the game’s next major update. This time, however, there is no mystery, with both actors sharing the reasons for their removal and discussing their disappointment at MiHoYo’s decision.

Lycaon And Soldier 11 Recast In Zenless Zone Zero

In the latest Zenless Zone Zero patch notes, a note states that update 1.6 “Changes the English voice actors for Agents Lycaon and Soldier 11, and replaced the corresponding voice lines.”

While the news initially sent shockwaves through the ZZZ community, both voice actors quickly took to social media to share why they were replaced, citing the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. The strike, which started in August last year, has seen dozens of voice actors step away from the microphones to seek protection against AI “stealing performers’ identities”.

Lycaon voice actor Nicholas Thurkettle was the first to share their disappointment about being recast. “I’m learning about this as you are, and I share your shock. Neither HoYoverse nor Sound Cadence has communicated with me since October. I’ve been fully available and recorded multiple voice jobs in that time. I am trying to learn more and absorb this news,” he said.

Soldier 11 voice actor Emeri Chase then released a statement of their own, saying, “I was replaced as Soldier 11 because I am unwilling to perform work not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during a strike for AI protections, the outcome of which will determine the future of our industry.”

After sharing more details about the strike, Chase 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. I found out the role was recast today alongside all of you.

“I loved working on ZZZ & would have been thrilled to return to the project post-strike or with an Interim Agreement. But I stand by my choices regardless of the outcome. All my best wishes to the cast and the production team.”

Following Chase’s lengthy statement, Thurkettle added, “This is what I’ve been quiet about. I’m not SAG but what game companies want to do with AI is an existential threat. 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. I stand by my choice.”

Based on both actor’s statements, it seems like they weren’t informed they were being recast, which, in the middle of a strike, is not a good look for MiHoYo.

Released

July 4, 2024

ESRB

T (Teen) – Suggestive Themes & Violence

Publisher(s)

HoYoverse