Gene Wilder’s Voice Recreated through AI for Willy Wonka Competition Show at Netflix

Netflix has unveiled a first look at its forthcoming competition show based on Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Wonka’s The Golden Ticket features the voice of late actor Gene Wilder, who starred in the title role in the beloved 1971 film.

Netflix and Eureka Productions, the production company behind The Golden Ticket, got permission from Wilder’s estate and worked with AI voice synthesis company ElevenLabs to re-create the late actor’s voice.

The series will feature 12 golden ticket winners and a partner of their choice facing a series of challenges inspired by the film and Roald Dahl‘s source novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. he show will also feature sets inspired by the 1971 movie, where “contestants must navigate a series of Wonka’s games, tests, and temptations designed to challenge them physically, mentally, and morally.”

A teaser for the show features Wilder’s re-created voice; watch it below.

Hearing Gene Wilder’s voice speak new words in character as Willie Wonka is a bit of a shock—and a bit of a thrill.

From Karen B. Wilder, Gene Wilder’s wife, on behalf of the Gene Wilder 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. 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.”

Along with Wilder’s re-created voice, The Golden Ticket will feature Rusty Goffe, who played an Oompa Loompa in the 1971 movie. Netflix bought the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021, which explains the licensing.

The series is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on Sept. 23.