Netflix has partnered with AI voice company ElevenLabs to recreate the voice of late actor Gene Wilder for a new reality competition series called "Wonka's The Golden Ticket," which will premiere on September 23. The show marks a significant moment in how entertainment companies are using artificial intelligence to bring deceased performers back to life, with the full support and involvement of Wilder's estate.

Gene Wilder, who famously played Willy Wonka in the original 1971 film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," passed away in 2016 at age 83. More than five decades after his iconic performance, his distinctive voice and comedic timing remain instantly recognizable to audiences worldwide. Rather than hiring a voice actor to imitate Wilder, Netflix and ElevenLabs are using AI-generated speech technology to recreate his actual voice for the new series.

What Is ElevenLabs and How Does Voice Cloning Work?

ElevenLabs is an AI company that specializes in creating human-like synthetic speech and voice cloning technology. The company's platform can analyze recordings of a person's voice and generate new speech that sounds authentically like that individual, capturing not just the accent and tone but also subtle vocal characteristics that make a voice distinctive. This technology has become increasingly sophisticated, allowing entertainment companies to create convincing recreations of performers' voices for new projects.

The use of voice cloning in entertainment is not entirely new. Other deceased Hollywood actors, including Carrie Fisher, Harold Ramis, and Paul Walker, have had their likenesses replicated using AI technology in recent years. However, the Wilder project represents one of the most prominent applications of AI voice recreation for a major streaming platform's original content.

How Does the New 'Wonka' Series Use Wilder's Voice?

"Wonka's The Golden Ticket" is a reality competition show that follows 12 contestants, each accompanied by a partner of their choosing, as they navigate games, tests, and temptations within the colorful world of Willy Wonka. Only one contestant will ultimately win the grand prize. The series is being produced in partnership with the Roald Dahl Story Company, named after the British author of the original 1964 "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" novel, which Netflix acquired in 2021.

Adding to the nostalgic appeal, the show will also feature Rusty Goffe, who reprised his original film role as an Oompa Loompa. This combination of AI-recreated voice talent and returning cast members creates a bridge between the classic 1971 film and modern entertainment.

Why This Project Matters for AI in Entertainment

The decision to use AI voice cloning for this project reflects several important developments in how entertainment companies view artificial intelligence:

• Estate Involvement: The Gene Wilder Estate explicitly approved and partnered on the project, indicating that voice cloning technology can be used ethically when proper permissions and family involvement are secured.
• Cultural Legacy: Karen B. Wilder, Gene Wilder's wife, stated that "Gene had a remarkable ability to bring humor, wonder and heart into people's lives, and that connection has endured for generations," suggesting the family sees this as a way to preserve and extend his artistic legacy.
• Audience Connection: The project acknowledges that audiences continue to find joy and inspiration in Wilder's original performance, and that his distinctive voice remains central to the Wonka character's appeal.

"More than five decades after Gene brought Willy Wonka to life, people of all ages and backgrounds around the world continue to find joy, laughter and inspiration in his performance," stated Karen B. Wilder on behalf of the Gene Wilder Estate.

Karen B. Wilder, on behalf of the Gene Wilder Estate

Gene Wilder's career extended far beyond Wonka. He is also known for iconic roles in "The Producers," "Blazing Saddles," and "Young Frankenstein," films that have become cornerstones of American comedy. His distinctive comedic timing and ability to blend whimsy with genuine emotion made him one of cinema's most beloved performers.

The distinctive whimsy of Willy Wonka has left a lasting cultural imprint, inspiring generations of adaptations, merchandise, concerts, and pop culture references. By using AI voice technology to bring Wilder's voice back for new content, Netflix is betting that audiences will embrace this technological approach to honoring his legacy. The September 23 premiere will be a significant test of whether viewers accept AI-recreated voices in mainstream entertainment, particularly when the project has the blessing of the performer's family and estate.