The hilarious trailer for Netflix's upcoming Willy Wonka reality show has sparked outrage over the latest AI-generated voice. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory star Gene Wilder.
Netflix took to Instagram on Tuesday, June 30, to share them Wonka The Golden Ticketits new reality competition series inspired by the classic 1971 film starring Wilder as the legendary chocolatier Willy Wonka. (The film itself was based Roald Dahla 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.)
“Enter a world full of pure imagination when the gates of the Chocolate Factory reopen this Fall,” the caption read when we announced the show's September 23 premiere date.
While the trailer doesn't reveal what challenges the contestants will face, fans got a look inside the chocolate factory set, including the movie's famous chocolate river, golden goose eggs, framed photos of Oompa Loompas and more. The video is narrated by an AI-generated voice of Wilder, who died aged 83 in 2016.
“For the first time in decades, I'm opening my beloved chocolate factory,” the voice said. “A whole new generation of genuine Golden Ticket holders will compete for a life-changing prize … or say goodbye with great misfortune.”
In the original film of the legendary musical, the mysterious Willy Wonka opened the doors of his chocolate factory for the first time in years to invite five children who received Golden Tickets to the chocolate bars to tour the magical building. However, four of the winners fail to pass Wonka's moral test, leaving only one heir to his candy empire.
“Be amazed by the magic you remember, and enjoy my new unimaginable wonders. The world's strangest contest is about to begin,” said the voice. “There is no turning back now.”
While many Wonka fans expressed excitement for the new show, others found Wilder's AI voice to be in poor taste.
“I hope whoever decided to have Gene Wilder narrate this AI rots in hell,” another person said in the video.
“They used AI to recreate Gene's voice with this stupidity. It's so disappointing. Hard to pass!” another user has been added.
“Using AI when the voice actors are right !!! where !!! is diabolical,” wrote a third fan.
In accordance with DeadlineNetflix teamed up with AI studio ElevenLabs to recreate Wilder's voice with permission from his estate.
“More than fifty years 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,” it said. Karen B. Wilderthe late actor's wife. “Gene had an amazing ability to bring humor, wonder and heart into people's lives, and that connection has continued through the generations. Wonka The Golden Ticket celebrates the warmth and imagination he brought to the role, introducing that magic to a new generation while honoring fans who have cherished him for decades.”
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ElevenLabs, backed by Matthew McConaughey as an investor, has also re-founded the retired actor. Michael CaineAudiobook voice of The Odyssey and share with The Stan Lee Estate to recreate the voice of the hero's creator, reports the outlet.
The Golden Ticket will feature 12 contestants, along with their chosen partner, who must complete a series of physical, mental and behavioral challenges, similar to another new Netflix competition show, Squid Game: Challengebased on their fictional series Squid game.
Without Wilder's voice, the show will go live Rusty Goffewho is about to reprise his role as Oompa Loompa.
The Golden Ticket will consist of nine episodes, culminating in a two-part finale on September 30.
