Netflix's 'Wonka' Reality Show Uses AI-Generated Gene Wilder Voice
Netflix has unveiled the trailer for 'Wonka's The Golden Ticket', a nine-episode reality competition series based on the Roald Dahl story. The show features contestants in a factory facing challenges, with the voice of the late Gene Wilder recreated using AI with permission from his estate. The choice has been described as unsettling.
The nine-episode competition brings twelve contestants, each accompanied by a chosen partner, into a factory setting where they face physical, mental, and moral tests. Netflix acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021, and the production team includes executive producers Chris Culvenor, Paul Franklin, Rikkie Proost, David Tibballs, Alison Holloway, and Emer Harkin. Rusty Goffe, who played an Oompa Loompa in the original 1971 film, also appears in the series.
The voice recreation was developed with ElevenLabs and received approval from Gene Wilder's estate. Karen B. Wilder stated the family is delighted the show honors Wilder's warmth and imagination, introducing his portrayal to new generations while respecting longtime fans. The series is scheduled to premiere September 23.
The use of a deceased actor's AI-recreated voice could set a notable precedent for how entertainment companies handle legacy performances. Some viewers may find the choice unsettling or question the ethics of digitally resurrecting a beloved performer, while others may accept it as a tribute with family consent. This approach could influence industry practices around AI voice licensing and estate permissions, potentially reshaping how classic performances are preserved and reused in future productions.