NETFLIX USES AI-GENERATED GENE WILDER VOICE FOR WONKA SHOW

AI DESK■ 1 MIN READ

TUE, JUN 30, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 4 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

Netflix's upcoming reality competition series The Golden Ticket will feature an AI-recreated voice of Gene Wilder. The streaming platform partnered with AI audio company ElevenLabs and obtained permission from Wilder's family for the project.

The Golden Ticket premieres September 23rd on Netflix, continuing the platform's trend of reality shows based on fictional narratives. The series follows Squid Game's competition format, with contestants competing through challenges inspired by Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka universe. While the physical sets are real, Netflix employed AI voice synthesis to recreate Wilder's iconic narration. The late actor famously portrayed Willy Wonka in the 1971 film adaptation. ElevenLabs, the company behind the AI audio technology, worked directly with Wilder's family to secure approval for the voice recreation. The teaser trailer confirmed the AI voiceover approach, marking a notable use of synthetic voice technology in mainstream entertainment production. The collaboration between Netflix and Wilder's estate represents an emerging practice of leveraging AI to recreate performances from deceased actors with family consent.

■ SOURCES

► Engadget ► The Verge ► Bloomberg Tech ► TechCrunch

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NETFLIX USES AI-GENERATED GENE WILDER VOICE FOR WONKA SHOW

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