Netflix is using an AI-generated Gene Wilder voice in its Willy Wonka reality show

Editor's take

Netflix's *The Golden Ticket* reality show features an AI-synthesized voice *of Gene Wilder* for the character of Willy Wonka. This decision marks a significant, albeit controversial, step in leveraging AI for voice mimicry in entertainment, a capability previously explored in projects like the AI-generated "Drake" and "The Weeknd" tracks.

The use of a deceased actor's voice, even for a fictional character, raises immediate ethical and legal questions surrounding likeness rights and posthumous creative control. For Netflix, it signals a willingness to push boundaries in content creation, potentially paving the way for similar applications across their vast library, while also risking fan backlash and setting a precedent for how cultural icons are represented.

Future developments will likely focus on the legal frameworks established around AI voice generation and actor likeness. It will be crucial to observe how SAG-AFTRA and other industry bodies respond, and whether Netflix faces significant public or regulatory pushback that might temper the adoption of such technologies in future productions.