Gene Wilder Speaks After 10 Years of Death, but a Storm Erupts on the Web: 'It's Chilling'

The use of artificial intelligence in television and film productions could grow increasingly over the next few years.

The "case" of this week involved Netflix, which has just released the first images of the new reality show Wonka's The Golden Ticket, inspired by Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The uniqueness of the production is linked to the choice to recreate Gene Wilder's voice using an AI tool provided by ElevenLabs. This is not the first time generative AI has been associated with Netflix productions.

Gene Wilder, who passed away in 2016, is known for numerous masterful performances. One of his most successful roles is indeed that of Willy Wonka in the 1971 film adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

All Authorized

The use of AI to recreate Wilder's voice has been authorized by the actor's heirs, and his wife Karen stated on the matter: "We are happy that Wonka's The Golden Ticket celebrates the warmth and imagination that he brought to that role, introducing that magic to a new generation while paying tribute to the fans who have loved him for decades."

Looking at the comments on the trailer published online, many users did not appreciate the choice to use AI to recreate Wilder's voice. This new case confirms how the film and television industry is increasingly willing to resort to AI to create content to enrich their productions. However, the topic remains very delicate.

Wonka's The Golden Ticket will be available on Netflix starting September 23, and for now, Wilder's AI-generated voice is expected to be part of the project.