Key facts
- Netflix's new reality series 'Wonka's The Golden Ticket' will use AI to recreate Gene Wilder's voice.
- The Gene Wilder Estate has given consent for the use of AI to replicate his voice.
- The AI voice technology was developed by ElevenLabs.
- The series will feature 12 contestants competing in challenges within a recreated Wonka factory.
- Rusty Goffe, who played an Oompa Loompa in the original film, will appear in the series.
- The series is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on September 23.
Netflix is set to launch a new reality competition series, 'Wonka's The Golden Ticket,' which will feature an AI-generated recreation of the voice of Gene Wilder, who famously portrayed Willy Wonka in the 1971 film adaptation.
The series, set to premiere on September 23, will see 12 contestants compete in a series of challenges designed to test their physical, mental, and moral strength, with the hope of winning a significant prize.
The use of AI to replicate Wilder's voice has drawn criticism on social media, with some users expressing disapproval. However, the Gene Wilder Estate, through his wife Karen B. Wilder, has provided consent for the use of the technology, stating that they are delighted the series celebrates the warmth and imagination he brought to the role.
The AI voice reconstruction was handled by ElevenLabs, a company known for its celebrity AI voice technology. The series will also feature Rusty Goffe, an actor from the original 1971 film who played an Oompa Loompa.
This collaboration is part of Netflix's ongoing relationship with the Roald Dahl Story Company, which the streamer acquired in 2021. The trailer for 'Wonka's The Golden Ticket' was released on Tuesday.