Netflix Uses AI to Revive Gene Wilder's Voice for New Show

WHO:

Variety - Gene Wilder, the late actor who originated the character's live-action look in 1971's “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” died in 2016.

Variety - ElevenLabs, the AI audio firm partnered with Netflix for the project.

Variety - Gene Wilder's wife gave her blessing for the use of his voice.

WHAT:

Variety - The reality competition series is titled “Wonka's The Golden Ticket.”

Deadline - The show is set to premiere more than two years after the initial production announcement.

TechRadar - Netflix is using an AI-generated voice of Gene Wilder for its new reality show based on Willy Wonka.

Deadline - The reality competition series is titled “The Golden Ticket.”

WHEN:

Deadline - The premiere date for “The Golden Ticket” is set for September 23.

WHY:

Variety - The AI recreation of Gene Wilder's voice is intended to enhance the nostalgic connection to the character.

HOW:

Variety - Netflix partnered with ElevenLabs to recreate Gene Wilder's voice using AI technology.

(UPDATED June 30, 2026 21:32 UTC)

A new reality competition series called “Wonka's The Golden Ticket” has been announced. The show is set to premiere more than two years after the initial production announcement. Fans can look forward to its debut on a future date yet to be revealed.

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(UPDATED June 30, 2026 19:43 UTC)

Netflix is set to premiere a new reality competition series titled “The Golden Ticket” on September 23, featuring an AI-generated voice of the late actor Gene Wilder, who famously portrayed Willy Wonka in the 1971 film. The AI recreation of Wilder's voice, developed in partnership with ElevenLabs, aims to enhance the nostalgic connection to the beloved character. Wilder's wife has given her blessing for the use of his voice in this innovative project.