AI ‘Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it:’ Netflix is using an AI-generated Gene Wilder voice for ‘Wonka’ reality show News By Amanda Caswell Published 1 July 2026 Netflix is using an AI-generated Gene Wilder voice for its new ‘Wonka’ reality show — and the project is already dividing fans and critics When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works . (Image credit: Alamy) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Netflix revealed it is bringing one of Hollywood’s most recognizable voices back with AI for the upcoming reality competition “Wonka’s The Golden Ticket.” The show will feature an AI-generated recreation of Gene Wilder’s voice, nearly a decade after the beloved actor died in 2016. According to Variety , the show premieres September 23 and is produced by Eureka Productions. It will follow 12 golden ticket winners and their chosen partners as they compete in a series of games over nine episodes inspired by the 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and Roald Dahl’s source novel. Rather than hiring an impersonator, Netflix worked with AI voice company ElevenLabs and Gene Wilder’s estate to recreate the actor’s voice for entirely new narration. As NBC News reported , the show’s teaser features the AI-generated Wilder saying things like “the most extraordinary competition on Earth is about to begin,” dialogue that never appeared in the original film. The Hollywood Reporter noted that Rusty Goffe, who played an Oompa Loompa in the 1971 film, will reprise the role during the challenges. Latest Videos From Watch full video here: The estate signed off — but not everyone is convinced Doing this to Gene Wilder is so gross. Although in the end, it still sounds like every robotic AI voice you have heard.Just hire someone to play Willy Wonka. Even the Wonka Experience in Glasgow did that. https://t.co/IC1R0fxzGv June 30, 2026 Similar to Val Kilmer’s estate approving his likeness to appear in a film, the recreation of Gene Wilder was created with the approval of Wilder’s family. Karen B. Wilder, the actor’s wife, said in a statement on behalf of the estate that Gene “had a remarkable ability to bring humor, wonder and heart into people’s lives” and that the family is “delighted” the show will introduce “that magic to a new generation,” according to Variety . But the estate’s approval hasn’t quieted critics. NBC News reported that some fans pointed out Wilder himself was skeptical of efforts to revisit his most famous role, citing his criticism of the 2005 “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” remake. Others have questioned whether consent from a spouse or estate can truly stand in for consent from the performer. You may like Netflix’s new AI doesn’t create videos — it rewrites reality (and it’s open source) Is AI making streaming worse? Why ‘cold objectivity’ will ruin great TV AI voice cloning is everywhere — here’s why Taylor Swift’s new ‘Legal Shield’ is a blueprint for your digital safety Film reviewer Stefan Ellison wrote on X in response to the announcement: “Just hire someone to play Willy Wonka. Even the Wonka Experience in Glasgow did that.” That reference points to the disastrous AI-promoted Wonka event in 2024 that drew police complaints. ElevenLabs is building a pattern Netflix’s Wonka project isn’t an isolated experiment. ElevenLabs has been steadily expanding its presence in Hollywood. The company has already created similar AI voice recreations of Judy Garland and Burt Reynolds. Just last week, it released an audiobook of Homer’s “Odyssey” narrated by an AI-generated clone of Michael Caine’s voice, timed to arrive ahead of Christopher Nolan’s feature adaptation. Tom’s Guide: Direct to Your Inbox Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future bran
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