Summary
- Netflix partnered with ElevenLabs to recreate Gene Wilder’s voice using AI
- The voice will be used in the reality series Wonka’s The Golden Ticket
- The show is set to premiere on September 23, 2026
- The project was developed with the Gene Wilder Estate
- The move raises questions about the ethical limits of AI in entertainment
Netflix used artificial intelligence to recreate Gene Wilder’s voice for a new reality show based on the world of Willy Wonka.
Netflix worked with ElevenLabs to create an AI version of Gene Wilder’s voice, which will be used in the new unscripted series Wonka’s The Golden Ticket. Wilder played Willy Wonka in the classic 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, while the new production is inspired by the world of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The move matters because it brings back into focus the issue of using artificial intelligence to reproduce the voices and presence of performers who are no longer alive. Although the recreation was made in collaboration with Wilder’s estate and with the approval of his wife, the decision opens a wider debate about the limits of technology in entertainment.
What Wonka’s The Golden Ticket Is
Wonka’s The Golden Ticket is a reality competition series inspired by the world of Willy Wonka. The show follows 12 Golden Ticket holders and their partners as they enter a version of the chocolate factory and take part in games and challenges.
The series is scheduled to premiere on September 23, 2026, while the finale will be presented in two parts on September 30, 2026. According to available information, the show will consist of nine episodes and will end with one winner.
How Gene Wilder’s Voice Is Used
Gene Wilder’s AI-generated voice is used as a narrative element in the series and appears to be heard in the show’s trailer. The technology comes from ElevenLabs, a company specializing in synthetic voice creation and reproduction.
The recreation was not done without permission, as the project was developed in collaboration with the Gene Wilder Estate. Wilder’s wife, Karen B. Wilder, has expressed her support, saying the series honors the warmth, imagination and connection Wilder created with audiences.
Why The Move Is Controversial
Using AI to reproduce the voice of a deceased actor is one of the most sensitive issues in modern content production. Even when permission from an estate exists, questions remain about whether such use respects the artistic presence, intent and legacy of the performer.
In Wilder’s case, the issue becomes even more intense because his performance as Willy Wonka is considered iconic. Netflix’s decision may feel nostalgic for part of the audience, but for others it may look like an attempt to reproduce a past success instead of creating a new interpretation with a real actor or narrator.
The Roald Dahl And Netflix Connection
Netflix acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021, allowing it to develop new productions based on the author’s works. Wonka’s The Golden Ticket is part of that strategy, using one of Dahl’s most recognizable worlds.
At the same time, the series shows how major streaming platforms combine familiar franchises with new technologies in an effort to capture audience attention. However, the result will not be judged only by its technical success, but also by whether the use of AI genuinely serves the content.
What We Think
The case of Gene Wilder’s AI-generated voice is a clear example of where entertainment stands today: between nostalgia, technological capability and difficult ethical boundaries. Even with estate approval, such choices require caution, because the artificial revival of an iconic presence can easily move from tribute to exploitation of memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Netflix series uses Gene Wilder’s voice?
The series is Wonka’s The Golden Ticket, a reality competition show inspired by the world of Willy Wonka.
Was Gene Wilder’s voice created with AI?
Yes, the voice was recreated using artificial intelligence in collaboration with ElevenLabs.
Was there permission to use the voice?
Yes, the recreation was made in collaboration with the Gene Wilder Estate and with the approval of the actor’s wife, Karen B. Wilder.
When does Wonka’s The Golden Ticket premiere?
The premiere is scheduled for September 23, 2026.
Why is the use of an AI voice controversial?
Because it involves reproducing the voice of an actor who has passed away, raising questions about consent, artistic integrity and the use of technology in entertainment.
