Netflix recreates voice of deceased actor with AI to narrate new reality show
Netflix has partnered with artificial intelligence company ElevenLabs to recreate the voice of late actor Gene Wilder for the reality show "Wonka's The Golden Ticket," the streaming service said on Tuesday.
ElevenLabs specializes in AI-generated, human-sounding speech and voice cloning technology.
Wilder, who played the title character in the original 1971 film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, died in 2016 at age 83.
"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," said Karen B. Wilder, Gene Wilder's wife, on behalf of Gene Wilder's estate.
"Gene had a remarkable ability to bring humor, wonder and compassion into people's lives, and that connection lasts for generations," she added.
Wilder is known for his roles in films such as "The Producers", "The West End" and "Young Frankenstein".
Other deceased Hollywood actors, including Carrie Fisher, Harold Ramis and Paul Walker, have had their images replicated using artificial intelligence.
The series is the result of a collaboration with the Roald Dahl Story Company, named after the British author of the 1964 novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". Netflix acquired the company in 2021.
The reality show "Wonka's The Golden Ticket" is also being produced in partnership with the Estate of Gene Wilder and will feature Wilder's co-star Rusty Goffe, reprising his role as an Oompa Loompa.
The program follows 12 lucky golden ticket winners, each accompanied by a partner of their choice, as they face a series of games, tests and temptations in the colorful world of Wonka. Only one participant will win the grand prize.
Willy Wonka's quirky fantasy touch has left a lasting cultural mark, inspiring generations of adaptations, products, concerts and pop culture references.
"Wonka's The Golden Ticket" premieres on Netflix on September 23.
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Source: CNN