Netflix faces backlash for using AI-generated Gene Wilder voice in Wonka reality show

Date:
Thu, 24 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Description:
Netflix's AI generation of Gene Wilder's voice doesn't recreate the magic
from the original movie.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Oh Netflix , you have a lot of apologizing to do.

Its latest reality game show, Wonkas Golden Ticket , hasnt even been on the platform for 24 hours, and it's already found itself in the midst of scathing criticism for, you guessed it, its controversial use of AI. To put it into context, the show takes inspiration from the beloved 1971 movie musical with Gene Wilder, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. In the game show, a group of contestants is thrust into a series of themed challenges filmed on elaborate sets based on the original movies fantastical aesthetic. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

The first seven episodes are available to stream now, and the final two episodes will be released on September 30 where the champions will be revealed.

From its first teasers, I knew the show had already begun its downward spiral before it even saw the light of day. For me, Netflix game shows are nothing more than money-grabbers and devoid of any quality, and to those who held out hope for the shows survival, you were very nave indeed. You may like Soulless AI Gene Wilder voice is the worst example of AI slop Netflix has admitted to using AI on '300 movies and shows' in 2026 and I've never been more disappointed Roku's new AI channel is top of the slops: is this an important AI milestone? It was over before it started (Image credit: Netflix) When the best streaming service announced the show in the summer, it wasnt just its cheap and gaudy attempt at resurrecting the movies familial charm that had viewers concerned. It was when Netflix unveiled that the shows host would be an off-screen AI-generated recreation of Wilders voice yes, the OG chocolatier that the boycott really took shape.

Whats shocking is that, surprisingly, Wilders estate actually granted Netflix the right to use an AI recreation of his theatrical Wonka voice. Even so, we thought this decision was going too far . I was particularly upset; the original movie is a childhood staple of mine. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

As you can imagine, the AI-generated voiceover is by far the most criticized aspect of the show. In addition to an eye-watering 20% score on Rotten Tomatoes, major outlets such as Variety and The Guardian havent taken well to the AI host, with the latter saying it sounds stilted, indefinably wrong somehow. Thats tame compared to what viewers are saying.

Despite the legal permission Wilders estate gave to Netflix, its still unfathomable to some that it was given a pass in the first place including this user on X, who called Netflix "disgusting". AI Gene Wilder. No way could Gene Wilder have consented to that. Netflix are disgusting. Glad I don't have a subscription with them. https://t.co/gkcLmgA9lK June 30, 2026 Equally, Reddit is full of posts featuring the same level of revulsion. One user was left asking, Does Netflix do anything decent these days?, to which another user replied, "[Netflix] has always been quantity over quality". My thoughts exactly. What to read next Netflix acquires Ben Afflecks AI startup InterPositive for $587 million Netflix expands content library with lifestyle and entertainment videos from popular online outlets Stuart Fails to Save the Universe title cards might actually have a hidden message after all A sickly streaming experience (Image credit: Netflix) Ive never committed to any of Netflixs game shows, but in the case of Wonkas Golden Ticket , I streamed the first episode to see how much it lived up to its car crash reviews. The only thing Ill say is, dont waste your time.

Its clear that Netflix has spent quite a bit of money on the production (the prize money alone equates to roughly $3 million, not to mention its sets and engineering mustve also cost a fortune), but money doesnt buy everything not even a near-accurate AI version of Gene Wilder.

While theres a slightly replicated cadence, the uncanny valley-ness of it all leaves you feeling rather sickly. Its emotionless, robotic, and completely lacking the bold infectiousness that Wilder brought to the original role. Its not just that; the structure and overall approach are just as disjointed.

Unlike the original five children who first stepped into the chaotic world of the chocolate factory, Netflix introduces 12 pairs of contestants, totalling 24 players, of which remembering all their names and relationships is a chore in itself. But the icing on the cake is the roster of false and unnatural reactions that are played to the camera during both the challenges and confessional segments. This isnt The Traitors , this is a chocolate factory. Its not that serious. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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