NETFLIX USES AI-GENERATED VOICE MIMICKING GENE WILDER FOR WONKA SERIES

Netflix faces backlash over its use of an artificial intelligence-generated voiceover resembling Gene Wilder in a new competition show entitled Wonka's The Golden Ticket. The programme, scheduled for release on 23 September, features the AI voice in its trailer. Wilder, who died in 2016 at the age of 83, famously portrayed Wonka in the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Viewers have responded with criticism on social media, with some describing the AI voice as an "obscenity" and others noting its lack of emotional nuance and depth.

Wilder retired from acting in 1991, citing dissatisfaction with the trajectory of Hollywood cinema at that time. The actor had previously expressed disapproval of Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory reboot, signalling his reluctance to see his most celebrated role reimagined by other filmmakers. No statement has been released from Netflix regarding the creative decision to employ AI voice synthesis for the new series.

The use of synthesised voices based on deceased performers has become an increasingly common practice in entertainment production. Fan reaction to the Wonka's The Golden Ticket trailer indicates significant public concern about the application of such technology to iconic actors without their consent. Netflix has not confirmed whether the actor's estate or family members were consulted prior to the voice's creation.