Science & Technology · 6 Intermediate · July 6, 2026

Netflix Uses AI Voice of Late Actor

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Vocabulary

artificial intelligence /ˌɑːr.tɪ.ˈfɪʃ.əl ɪn.ˈtel.ɪ.dʒəns/ noun

computer technology that can learn and make decisions like a person

Artificial intelligence helps create voices that sound human.

recreate /ˌriː.kriː.ˈeɪt/ verb

to make something again or create something that looks like the original

The company wanted to recreate the actor's voice with AI.

permission /pərˈmɪʃ.ən/ noun

official approval to do something

The family gave permission to use the actor's voice.

backlash /ˈbæk.læʃ/ noun

a strong negative reaction from many people

The show faced backlash from fans who did not like the AI voice.

estate /ɪˈsteɪt/ noun

the money and property a person leaves behind after they die

The actor's estate decided to allow the AI voice project.

honor /ˈɑː.nər/ verb

to show respect and appreciation for someone or something

The creators wanted to honor the late actor's memory.

Article

Netflix released a new show about Wonka, the famous character from chocolate factory stories. The show included a voice that sounded like Gene Wilder, an actor who died in 2016. However, this was not really Gene Wilder speaking. Instead, a computer program created the voice using artificial intelligence technology.

What Happened

The Netflix team used AI to make a voice sound like Gene Wilder for the show. Gene Wilder's family gave permission for this project before it started. The creators thought this was a good way to honor the actor's memory and his famous work with the character.

Why People Disagreed

Many people felt upset about this choice. Some fans believed that using AI to recreate a dead actor's voice was not respectful. They argued that audiences should see new actors perform these roles instead. Others worried about how artificial intelligence might change the entertainment industry in the future.

The Bigger Question

This situation makes people think about important questions. What should companies be allowed to do with technology and famous people's voices? Should there be new rules about using AI in movies and television shows? These conversations are happening around the world right now.

Moving Forward

The entertainment industry will need to make decisions about AI voices in the future. Some people support the technology. Others want stricter rules. What everyone agrees on is that these choices matter and affect how we enjoy entertainment.

Discussion Questions

Do you think it was right to use AI to recreate Gene Wilder's voice? Why or why not?
Would you feel comfortable watching a movie with an AI-generated voice of a famous actor who has died?
What rules or laws do you think should exist for using AI with dead celebrities?
How might artificial intelligence change the entertainment industry in the next ten years?
Should families of deceased actors have the final decision about using AI to recreate their voices?

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