The sweet trailer for Netflix’s upcoming Willy Wonka reality show has been soured by outrage over an AI-generated voice of late Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory star Gene Wilder.
Netflix took to Instagram on Tuesday, June 30, to share a look at Wonka’s The Golden Ticket, its new reality competition series inspired by the classic 1971 film starring Wilder as titular chocolatier Willy Wonka. (The film itself was based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.)
“Step into a world of pure imagination when the gates of the Chocolate Factory reopen this Fall,” the caption read while announcing the show’s September 23 premiere date.
While the trailer didn’t show what challenges the competitors will have to face, fans did get 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 was narrated by an AI-generated voice of Wilder, who died at age 83 in 2016.
“For the first time in decades, I’m opening my beloved chocolate factory,” the voice could be heard saying. “A whole new generation of real-life Golden Ticket holders will compete for a life-changing prize … or say a most unfortunate goodbye.”
In the original musical fantasy film, the mysterious Willy Wonka opened the doors to his chocolate factory for the first time in years to invite five children who found Golden Tickets in their chocolate bars to tour the marvelous building. However, four of the winners fail to pass Wonka’s moral tests, leaving only one heir to his candy empire.
“Marvel at the magic you remember, and delight in my newest wonders beyond imagination. The most extraordinary competition on earth is about to begin,” the voice continued. “There’s no turning back now.”
While many Wonka fans expressed excitement for the nostalgic show, others found the AI voice of Wilder to be in poor taste.
“I hope whoever decided to have Gene Wilder narrate this with AI rots in Hell,” one person commented on the video.
“They used AI to recreate Gene’s voice for this crap. So disappointing. Hard pass!” another user added.
“Using AI when voice actors are right!!! there!!! is diabolical,” a third fan wrote.
According to Deadline, Netflix partnered with AI studio ElevenLabs to recreate Wilder’s voice with permission from 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,” said Karen B. Wilder, the late actor’s wife. “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.”
ElevenLabs, which has support from Matthew McConaughey as an investor, has also recreated retired actor Michael Caine’s voice for an audiobook of The Odyssey and partnered with The Stan Lee Estate to recreate the superhero creator’s voice, the outlet reported.
The Golden Ticket will feature 12 contestants, along with a partner of their choosing, who must complete a series of physical, mental and moral challenges, similar to Netflix’s other hit competition show, Squid Game: The Challenge, based on their fictional series Squid Game.
In addition to Wilder’s voice, the show will feature Rusty Goffe, who is set to reprise his role as an Oompa Loompa.
The Golden Ticket will contain nine episodes, concluding with a two-part finale on September 30.
