LOS ANGELES — Netflix partnered with artificial intelligence firm ElevenLabs to recreate late actor Gene Wilder’s voice for the reality competition series “Wonka’s The Golden Ticket,” the streamer said.
Gene Wilder appears as Willy Wonka in a scene from the 1971 film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”
ABC Family/Entertainment Pictures
ElevenLabs specializes in AI-generated, human-like speech and voice cloning technology.
Wilder, who played the title character in the original 1971 “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” film, 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 widow, on behalf of the Gene Wilder Estate.
“Gene had a remarkable ability to bring humor, wonder and heart into people’s lives, and that connection has endured for generations,” she added.
Wilder is known for his roles in films including “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein.”
AI was used to replicate the likenesses of other late Hollywood actors, including Carrie Fisher, Harold Ramis and Paul Walker.
The series stems from a collaboration with the Roald Dahl Story Company, named after the British author of 1964’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” novel. Netflix acquired the company in 2021.
“Wonka’s The Golden Ticket” also will be produced in partnership with the Gene Wilder Estate and will feature Wilder’s co-star Rusty Goffe, reprising his film role as an Oompa Loompa.
The show follows 12 lucky golden-ticket winners, each accompanied by a partner of their choosing, as they navigate a series of games, tests and temptations in the colorful world of Wonka. Only one contestant ultimately will win the grand prize.
The distinctive whimsy of Willy Wonka left a lasting cultural imprint, inspiring generations of adaptations, merchandise, concerts and pop culture references.
“Wonka’s The Golden Ticket” will debut Sept. 23 on Netflix.