The news that Netflix plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate Gene Wilder's iconic voice for their new 'Wonka's The Golden Ticket' reality series has left fans of the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory film in a right old pickle. The tech-savvy wizards at ElevenLabs are tasked with conjuring up a digital doppelganger of the late actor, who first brought the eccentric chocolatier to life on screen back in 1971.
Fans have been divided by this bold move, with some hailing it as a masterstroke that 'celebrates the imagination' Wilder brought to the role. Karen B. Wilder, Gene's widow, is positively effusive about the project, saying it will be a joyous tribute to her husband's enduring legacy. However, others are up in arms, labelling the use of an AI voice as 'disrespectful' and a 'plastic substitute', reminiscent of that dodgy Glasgow chocolate experience earlier this year.
'Wonka's The Golden Ticket' promises to transport viewers into the fantastical world of Roald Dahl's beloved children's book. Contestants will face 'Wonka's temptations and challenges' in pursuit of a glittering grand prize, but the controversy surrounding Wilder's digital doppelganger threatens to overshadow the initial excitement.
This AI-powered revival is part of a growing trend to bring back the voices of deceased entertainment legends. The recent decision by Sir Michael Parkinson's son to use AI to replicate his dad's voice for a podcast series has set tongues wagging in the industry. With studios seemingly 'testing the waters' on audience acceptance, it's clear that the boundaries of AI in creative content are about to get a whole lot murkier.
AI expert Jocelyn Burnham warns that while there may not be an automatic hostile reaction from audiences, beloved voices and characters will undoubtedly face intense scrutiny. Disney's digital recreation of James Earl Jones's voice as Darth Vader in 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' is cited as a notable exception – but Burnham cautions that we're still navigating uncharted territory here.