Ben Diskin, the voice actor who played Mega Man in 2018’s Mega Man 11, says he won’t reprise the role in Capcom’s upcoming Mega Man: Dual Override—despite being asked to return—because he was only offered the job without “the protections of a union contract.” The decision lands as SAG-AFTRA has also issued a “Do Not Work Order” against the project, escalating a dispute that’s increasingly centered on enforceable AI protections for performers.
Ben Diskin’s statement: “With a broken Blue Bomber heart”
Diskin shared a lengthy thread on BlueSky explaining why he’s stepping away from the role of the Blue Bomber in Mega Man: Dual Override. In his words, he was asked to return, but only if he agreed to work “without the protections of a union contract.”
Diskin said Capcom assured him there would be “full A.I. protections in place that guarantee in writing [my] voice will never be used for A.I. development,” but he also said he was told “with certainty” that the project “will not go union.” That combination—promised protections without a union-backed agreement—was ultimately a dealbreaker.
He framed the decision as a matter of safety and enforceability rather than pay. “The video game industry is facing record layoffs and huge amounts of uncertainty,” Diskin wrote. “I need a union contract to feel safe.” He also said he doesn’t think it makes sense for actors to “strike for over 11 months to get enforceable AI abuse protections and then turn right around and go back to work without them.”
Diskin added that he would have been willing to work for less money if it meant getting the protections he wanted through a union contract, stressing that “isn’t about money for me.” Still, as things stand, he says he won’t be voicing Mega Man in the new game.
Despite the disappointment, Diskin wished the team well, saying he hopes Mega Man: Dual Override is “even more successful than 11” and that players enjoy “all the hard work the devs are putting into it,” signing off with: “Good luck out there, Mega!”
SAG-AFTRA issues a “Do Not Work Order” for Mega Man: Dual Override
Diskin’s announcement arrives alongside formal union action. SAG-AFTRA has issued a “Do Not Work Order” against Mega Man: Dual Override, stating that the producer—Capcom—has failed to initiate the signatory process.
In its notice, SAG-AFTRA instructed members to withhold “any acting services or performance of any covered work for this production until further notice.” The union also warned that accepting employment or rendering services on Mega Man: Dual Override may be considered a violation of “Global Rule One,” and that violating the order could lead to disciplinary action.
Multiple outlets tie Diskin’s decision directly to this broader union context: he says he was invited back, but only under non-union terms—precisely the kind of situation that can place union performers at odds with SAG-AFTRA rules and guidance.
The dispute also sits in the shadow of SAG-AFTRA’s recent history with the games industry. Reporting points to the 2024 SAG-AFTRA strike against video game developers over AI use for voice actors and motion capture performers, among other concerns. Game Informer additionally notes that a new agreement was ratified after a strike lasting nearly a year (from July 2024 to June 2025), and that SAG-AFTRA representatives described it as providing “guardrails and gains around A.I.,” including consent and disclosure requirements for AI digital replica use and the ability for performers to suspend consent for the generation of new material during a strike.
Diskin’s posts echo that same theme: assurances are not the same as enforceable protections, and he argues that union contracts are the mechanism that makes those protections realistic in practice.
Capcom’s stance and the AI protection debate
Capcom has not publicly detailed its position on the dispute as of this reporting. Multiple outlets say they have contacted Capcom for comment, and several note the company has not responded at the time of publication.
What is clear from Diskin’s account is the tension between written promises and enforceability. He said he was told his voice would not be used for AI development, but he also argued that without a union contract, the practical burden of enforcement would fall on him personally.
In one of the more pointed parts of his explanation, Diskin said the only way to enforce non-union contracts like this would involve personally taking a company like Capcom to court if he believed AI had been used improperly—something he said he doesn’t have the “mental, emotional, or monetary strength” to endure in a prolonged legal fight.
He also acknowledged an internal conflict: “In my heart, I want to believe Capcom would never use AI,” he wrote, but added that he’s “aware that basically every major corporation is looking to incorporate generative AI to save money.”
Kotaku reports that Diskin speculated Capcom may be trying to avoid the AI protections a union contract would require, though there is no official statement from Capcom confirming that.
What we know about Mega Man: Dual Override so far (platforms, window, and reveal)
Mega Man: Dual Override was revealed at The Game Awards 2025 with a trailer, and it’s currently scheduled to launch sometime in 2027. Platforms listed across reporting include:
- PS5
- PS4
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch 2
- PC
While Capcom has remained largely quiet since the initial reveal, reporting describes the game as a new entry that retains the series’ classic side-scrolling action and platforming. Game Rant characterizes it as the twelfth game in the classic Mega Man series and says it will feature new gameplay features while still retaining classic 2D platforming, with Mega Man battling Dr. Wily.
Eurogamer describes Mega Man: Dual Override as a “new 2.5D adventure” following in the footsteps of Mega Man 11. GamingBolt similarly notes the reveal trailer showed classic gameplay built around side-scrolling platforming and action.
Beyond that, details remain limited. Nintendo Life notes there’s “not a whole lot we know about the game at this early stage,” and several outlets emphasize the vague nature of the 2027 release window.
Industry and community reaction: support from fellow voice actors
Diskin’s decision has drawn public support from other performers.
Push Square reports that Steve Blum voiced support for Diskin, calling the situation a “mega mistake” on Capcom’s behalf and saying, “I pray they reconsider,” while also praising Diskin for “taking a stand.” Nintendo Life also reports support from Yuri Lowenthal, who replied to Diskin with: “You are the best of us, Ben.”
The reaction underscores how the SAG-AFTRA issues around AI protections and union contracts have become a flashpoint well beyond any single game—particularly when a high-profile character like Mega Man is involved and when the project is already under a “Do Not Work Order.”
What Remains Unknown
- Whether Capcom will respond publicly to the “Do Not Work Order” or Diskin’s claims.
- Whether Mega Man: Dual Override will pursue SAG-AFTRA signatory status, or remain non-union as Diskin says he was told.
- Who will voice Mega Man in Mega Man: Dual Override, and when casting details might be announced.
- Whether the game’s 2027 release window or production plans will change in response to the union action.
- Additional confirmed gameplay, story, and feature details beyond what was shown in the reveal trailer and described so far.
