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Gene Wilder’s wife defends Netflix’s controversial decision to recreate Willy Wonka’s voice with AI

'We are delighted'

Hebe Hancock
2nd July 2026, 12:51
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Netflix has found itself at the centre of another AI debate after revealing it’ll use an AI recreation of Gene Wilder’s voice in a new Willy Wonka-inspired reality series.

Via Paramount Pictures

Wonka’s The Golden Ticket, which arrives on Netflix in September, features an AI-generated version of Wilder introducing the competition. The late actor’s estate approved the use of his voice, with AI audio company ElevenLabs recreating it following his death in 2016.

In the show’s teaser, the AI version of Wilder says: “For the first time in decades, I’m opening my beloved chocolate factory… A whole new generation of real life golden ticket holders will compete for a life-changing prize, or say a most unfortunate goodbye.”

Via Paramount Pictures

The announcement didn’t exactly go down well online. People quickly criticised the decision to recreate Wilder’s voice, with many arguing AI shouldn’t be used to bring back deceased actors.

“Gene is rolling in his grave,” one person wrote.

Another said: “Someone should have voiced this better, the ai voice lacks emotion, no soul no depth.”

A third added: “It almost sounds like gene wilder, but not really and is a plastic substitute that people will eat up because the robots have made them stupid, This is an obscenity. It would be better if they got a real human impressionist or voice actor to do gene wilder instead.”

Via Paramount Pictures

Despite the backlash, Gene Wilder’s wife, Karen B. Wilder, has publicly backed the project on behalf of his estate.

“More than five decades after Gene brought Willy Wonka to life, people of all ages and backgrounds around the world continue to find joy, laughter and inspiration in his performance,” she said.

“Gene had a remarkable ability to bring humor, wonder and heart into people’s lives, and that connection has endured for generations. We are delighted that Wonka’s The Golden Ticket celebrates the warmth and imagination that he brought to the role, introducing that magic to a new generation while honoring the fans who have cherished it for decades.”

So while plenty of people remain unconvinced about AI recreating one of cinema’s most beloved performances, Wilder’s estate says the project has its full support.

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Featured image credit: Paramount Pictures