Netflix are receiving backlash from Willy Wonka fans for their decision to use an AI generated Gene Wilder narration for their new game show.
The new series is a reality competition show titled 'Wonka's Golden Ticket'. Contestants and their chosen partners must compete for prizes in a location that has been designed to look like Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Netflix released a teaser for the new competition show and fans of the iconic movie are not happy.
Wilder passed away in 2016, however his wife has given permission for Netflix to use AI to recreate his voice.
The decision to use AI has sparked controversy online as many are questioning the ethical implications of using a deceased actor in this way.
One facebook user said that "if my wife sold my voice to AI after my death, I would resurrect myself and get a divorce before returning to the grave."
Another said, "Oh, it's AI?! Well I won't be watching then! Eff off with the AI slop! Could have totally went with Timothée Chalamet reprising his role as the Wonka narrator to promote this new game show
."
Public figures and celebrities have been divided on the idea of AI recreating their voices.
In 2022, James Earl Jones signed off on archival voice recordings being used by young filmmakers who plan to recreate his voice using AI for future films.
However, David Attenborough rejected the idea of using AI as he openly criticised the AI clone of his voice. In 2024, during a segment on BBC News, they played an AI version of Attenborough's voice along with a sample of his real voice.
In response to the AI generated version of his voice, the broadcaster said that he has spent a lifetime making attempts to speak what he believes is the truth. He said that he is "profoundly disturbed to find that these days, my identity is being stolen by others and greatly object to them using it to say whatever they wish."
The new series is set to be released on Netflix on September 23rd.
