Netflix Uses AI to Recreate Gene Wilder's Voice for Willy Wonka Reality Show

Netflix has partnered with AI voice company ElevenLabs to recreate the voice of late actor Gene Wilder for an upcoming reality competition show inspired by Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The show, titled Wonka's The Golden Ticket, premieres September 23.

The AI generated voice, which appears in the show's trailer, was developed with the approval of Wilder's estate and his wife, according to Variety. The recreation uses Wilder's iconic portrayal of Willy Wonka from the 1971 film adaptation.

How the AI Voice Was Created

ElevenLabs, a company known for its text to speech and voice cloning technology, worked with Netflix to produce the voice. The company has previously faced scrutiny over the ethical use of AI voices, including concerns about deepfake audio and unauthorized impersonations. For this project, Netflix secured explicit permission from Wilder's family, a step that some critics say is the bare minimum when recreating a deceased performer.

• The show features contestants competing in challenges inspired by both the book and the 1971 film.
• The trailer includes the AI generated voice narrating B roll of a whimsical set designed to evoke Wonka's factory.
• Wilder's estate and his wife gave approval for the voice recreation.
• ElevenLabs has not disclosed the specific training data used for the voice model.

Ethical Questions and Industry Reaction

The use of AI to replicate a deceased performer's voice has drawn criticism from actors and ethicists. Some argue that it avoids paying living actors for similar work and raises questions about consent and legacy. Others note that Wilder's estate gave permission, but the eerie quality of the voice in the trailer has unsettled viewers. The move comes amid broader debates about AI in Hollywood, including the 2023 strikes that addressed AI protections for performers.

Netflix has not commented on whether the AI voice will be used in future projects. The show's premiere will test audience reception to AI generated performances of beloved actors. As the technology advances, the entertainment industry continues to grapple with the boundaries between homage and exploitation.