Netflix draws backlash over AI-generated Gene Wilder voice

Netflix’s reality game show Wonka’s Golden Ticket has drawn criticism for using an AI-generated recreation of Gene Wilder’s voice as its off-screen host. The show takes inspiration from the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Wilder’s estate reportedly gave Netflix permission to use the recreation.

The first seven episodes are available to stream, with the final two scheduled for release on September 30. The show features 12 pairs of contestants, or 24 players, taking part in challenges on sets inspired by the film.

The AI voice has been a particular focus of criticism. The article reports a 20% Rotten Tomatoes score and cites Variety and The Guardian among outlets that criticized the voice. The Guardian described it as “stilted, indefinably wrong somehow.” Viewers also criticized Netflix on social media, including on X and Reddit.

The article’s author says the recreation sounds robotic and lacks the quality of Wilder’s performance. The author also criticizes the show’s structure and contestants’ reactions. The prize money is reported as roughly $3 million.