Netflix announced it will use artificial intelligence to generate the voice of Gene Wilder for an upcoming reality competition series set in the Wonka universe. The production company partnered with ElevenLabs to recreate Wilder's distinctive vocals, securing approval from his estate. His widow Karen B. Wilder publicly endorsed the project, saying it appropriately honoured the imagination and spirit her late husband brought to his celebrated 1971 film performance.

The initiative sparked considerable backlash online, with viewers dismissing the AI-generated voice as unconvincing, robotic, and fundamentally disrespectful to the actor's memory. Critics drew parallels to the notoriously failed 2024 Glasgow Wonka event that became a cultural laughingstock. Industry observers indicate that studios are cautiously experimenting with audience tolerance for such recreations, noting that whilst some digital voice projects have gained acceptance, the more iconic the original performer and character, the harsher the scrutiny any artificial reproduction will receive.