Netflix to Use AI for Gene Wilder's Voice in Wonka Reality Series
Netflix has announced it will employ artificial intelligence technology to recreate the voice of the late Gene Wilder for a new reality TV series set in the universe of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. The show, titled Wonka's The Golden Ticket, will feature an AI-generated version of Wilder, who famously portrayed the eccentric chocolatier in the 1971 film adaptation.
The use of Wilder's voice comes with the consent of his estate following his passing in 2016. The voice replication is being carried out by AI audio company ElevenLabs.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Family
While Karen B. Wilder, Gene Wilder's widow, expressed her approval, stating she was "delighted" that the series "celebrates the imagination" he brought to the role, the decision has drawn criticism from some fans. Several viewers described the AI voice as "disrespectful" and a "plastic substitute."
"In the end, it still sounds like every robotic AI voice you have heard,"
commented one social media user, expressing disappointment with the AI rendition.
Other commentators humorously compared the series to the ill-fated "Willy's Chocolate Experience" event held in Glasgow in 2024, which became notorious online for failing to meet expectations.
"Perhaps the Wonka experience was better than this (not that it's saying much),"
joked one user, sharing a dull photo from the event.
Show Format and Context
Netflix described Wonka's The Golden Ticket as an attempt to recreate, at least in look and feel, the story from Roald Dahl's classic children's book. Contestants will participate in "a series of Wonka's temptations and challenges" competing for a final prize.
Broader Trend of AI Voice Recreation
This announcement follows a growing trend of using AI to revive the voices of late entertainment figures. In October 2024, the son of Sir Michael Parkinson defended the use of AI to replicate the late chat show host's voice for a new interview podcast series.
Jocelyn Burnham, an expert on AI applications in arts and culture, noted that studios appear to be "testing the waters" regarding audience acceptance of AI recreations.
"Disney's digital recreation of James Earl Jones's voice as Darth Vader in the 2022 TV series Obi-Wan Kenobi shows that audiences are not automatically hostile to all uses of AI in screen performances,"
she said. However, Burnham added that since there is no "settled set of industry norms" about audience boundaries, the more beloved the voice or character, the greater the scrutiny the AI-generated product is likely to face.
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As AI technology continues to evolve, its integration into entertainment raises complex questions about ethics, consent, and audience reception. The use of AI-generated voices, especially of iconic figures like Gene Wilder, remains a contentious issue within the industry and among fans.
