Mega Man 11 Voice Actor Exits Series as Capcom Rejects Union Contract for Next Game

Veteran voice actor Ben Diskin, known for portraying Mega Man in the critically acclaimed and best-selling 2018 title Mega Man 11, has announced he will not reprise his role in the upcoming Mega Man: Dual Override, slated for release in 2027. Diskin's decision stems from Capcom's refusal to engage unionized voice talent for the project.

Diskin revealed on Bluesky that while he was offered to return, it was under the strict condition of working without a union contract. He stated that Capcom assured him of "full AI protections guaranteeing in writing that [his] voice will never be used for AI development," but simultaneously confirmed "with certainty... that the project will not go union."

This announcement follows a "Do Not Work" order issued by the SAG-AFTRA union for Mega Man: Dual Override. The union stated that Capcom "has failed to initiate the signatory process," a mandatory step before union members can commence work. SAG-AFTRA has warned that any members working on the game during this order could face disciplinary action.

Diskin emphasized that while promises of AI protection were made, he, as an individual, lacks the means to enforce such non-union agreements against a major corporation like Capcom. "The only way to enforce non-union contracts like this involves personally taking giant companies like Capcom to court and suing if I thought they'd used AI. I don't have the mental, emotional, or monetary strength to survive a protracted legal fight," he wrote.

He expressed concern that despite his hope, industry trends, including widespread layoffs and the push for generative AI to cut costs, make union protections essential. "I need a union contract to feel safe," he asserted.

Diskin highlighted the recent nearly year-long voice actors' strike, which concluded in July 2025, and secured significant "guardrails and gains around AI," including informed consent requirements for AI uses. He noted the contradiction of striking for enforceable AI abuse protections only to work without them. He even proposed a lower-budget union contract, which Capcom declined.

Concluding his statement, Diskin expressed gratitude for his time as Mega Man in Mega Man 11 and wished the upcoming Mega Man: Dual Override success, acknowledging the hard work of its developers.