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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Alex Hern UK technology editor

The droids you’re looking for: how Ukrainian AI recreated Darth Vader’s voice

Darth Vader, played by Hayden Christensen, in Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Darth Vader, played by Hayden Christensen, in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Photograph: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Artificial intelligence developed in Kyiv is taking over one of the most treasured roles in film, as James Earl Jones steps back as the voice of Darth Vader.

The Star Wars actor, 91, was helped to reach the chilling heights of his performance 45 years ago by the Ukrainian startup Respeecher in the recent Obi-Wan Kenobi series as the company worked with Jones and clips of his past performances.

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