Is That Really Gene Wilder's Voice in 'Wonka's The Golden Ticket'? How AI Was Used to Bring Him Back | Just Jared

Is that really Gene Wilder‘s voice you’re hearing on Wonka’s The Golden Ticket?

The late actor, who famously played Willy Wonka in the 1971 classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, seemingly serves as the voice of Wonka in Netflix’s new reality competition series.

Gene died in 2016 at the age of 83, so the show obviously isn’t using newly recorded dialogue from the actor.

Instead, his voice has been recreated with AI, and Netflix has now revealed more about the process and how his widow was involved.

Is That Really Gene Wilder’s Voice in Wonka’s The Golden Ticket?

Wonka’s The Golden Ticket doesn’t have a traditional host. Instead, contestants are guided through the Chocolate Factory by a recreation of Gene‘s voice as Willy Wonka.

The production received permission from Gene‘s widow Karen B. Wilder to recreate his voice, and she helped the team with the process.

According to Netflix, Karen opened up her collection of Gene‘s old recordings and audiobooks to help the production recreate his distinctive humor, tone and delivery.

Showrunner Emer Harkin explained that the team carefully considered every sentence and turn of phrase, along with the intonation of the recreated voice.

Fellow showrunner Alison Holloway said the team felt Gene was the only person who could be the voice of Wonka for the series.

The use of his recreated voice was previously announced ahead of the show’s premiere, with Netflix confirming that the decision had the consent of the Gene Wilder Estate.

Find out what Gene Wilder‘s widow previously said about the decision to recreate his voice for the show.

What Is Wonka’s The Golden Ticket?

The new reality competition brings 12 Golden Ticket winners and their chosen partners inside a massive recreation of Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

The contestants face a series of games, tests and temptations as they compete for a “lifetime supply of money.”

Find out exactly what the Wonka’s The Golden Ticket winner receives and how the prize works.

We’ve also broken down the full episode release schedule and exactly when the finale comes out.

Posted To:Gene Wilder Netflix Television Wonka's The Golden Ticket