SAG-AFTRA has issued an official “Do Not Work” order.
The SAG-AFTRA labor union, which represents approximately 160,000 actors, voice performers, and media professionals, has declared a “Do Not Work Order” specifically targeting Capcom’s Mega Man: Dual Override. This directive prohibits all union members from participating in the development or production of the project until further notice.
In an official statement, the organization clarified that the game’s producers have failed to enter into a signed agreement with the guild. Consequently, SAG-AFTRA members are instructed to decline any acting roles or services that fall under the union’s jurisdiction for this particular title.
A notable fallout of this decision is that voice actor Ben Diskin will not be returning to voice the series’ legendary protagonist, Mega Man. According to Diskin, he was invited to reprise the role, but the offer required him to work without the legal safety net of a union-backed contract.
The performer noted that he was promised “comprehensive AI protection guarantees,” which supposedly ensured his voice would not be exploited to develop artificial intelligence technologies. However, at the same time, Capcom representatives indicated that the project would not be operating under a union contract.
Diskin emphasized that he cannot take such risks without a legally enforceable agreement. He explained that informal promises are difficult to defend; in the event of a breach, the only recourse would be to personally litigate against a corporate giant, a process that demands immense financial and emotional resources.