A new reality series which features the AI generated voice of Gene Wilder has prompted angry reactions from fans online.
Wonka’s The Golden Ticket will be released on Netflix on September 23, and is a reality competition show where contestants and their chosen partners will compete for prizes in a recreation of the titular location from Roald Dahl’s Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. The first trailer was released recently as is narrated by an AI generated version of Gene Wilder, the star of 1971 film adaptation Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory.
The beloved actor is remembered as the definitive portrayal of the character for many. Wilder died in 2016, but his wife has granted the show permission to use an AI recreation of his voice for the series. Amid the ongoing debate about AI in entertainment, many users on X (formerly Twitter) have reacted negatively to the move.
“Fucking Sick. and I don’t mean that as a compliment,” wrote one person online. “Gene Wilder is GONE and so is his magic. This is pure evil to use his memory with AI crap. Netflix has reached all time LOWS.”
Fucking Sick. and I don’t mean that as a compliment. Gene Wilder is GONE and so is his Magic. This is pure evil to use his memory with AI crap. Netflix has reached all time LOWS. Glad I canceled my payments to you. At least I know my money isn’t going towards this type of…
— Lochaine (@SisAnn62) June 30, 2026
Many questioned the ethical implications of using a deceased actor in such a way. “I would rather Netflix let Gene Wilder rest instead of turning him into AI slop,” wrote one user, while another added: “Netflix treating a dead man’s voice like free stock footage just shows how fast they’ll gut any legacy for another cash grab instead of making something original.”
I would rather Netflix let Gene Wilder rest instead of turning him into AI slop.
— Derg Burg & Yeen Cuisine (@RuggedTheDragon) June 30, 2026
Netflix treating a dead mans voice like free stock footage just shows how fast theyll gut any legacy for another cash grab instead of making something original.
— Roberto Gil (@RbtGil) June 30, 2026
Other posts described it as both “ghoulish” and “dystopian”, with calls to “let the man rest”.
This is Ghoulish and will be garbage. Gene’s genius is being cashed in by his wife.
— CJ (∞/89) (@Neuromechanic) July 1, 2026
Using AI to revive Gene Wilder’s voice for a Wonka reality show feels genuinely dystopian. let the man rest.
— Volodymyr Pavlenko (@mindinpanic) July 1, 2026
The use of actors’ voice and likenesses in AI-generated content has been divisive, with some actors permitting their image to be incorporated into new productions. In 2022, two years before his death, James Earl Jones allowed his voice to be used for the character of Darth Vader after retiring from acting. An AI-generated version of his voice was included for the 2022 series Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Two other well-known personalities have objected to AI clones of their voices appearing on the internet, however. David Attenborough criticised the technology in 2024, remarking: “I greatly object to them using it to say whatever they wish.”
Last year, actor Morgan Freeman revealed his lawyers were “very busy” taking action against copycats. “I don’t appreciate it and I get paid for doing stuff like that,” he told The Guardian. “So if you’re gonna do it without me, you’re robbing me.”
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