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Netflix uses AI to revive Gene Wilder’s voice for new ‘Willy Wonka’ reality competition
By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· July 1, 2026
· 1 min read
Netflix has brought Gene Wilder back to help promote the streaming service’s new “Willy Wonka” reality competition series. Sadly, Wilder died in 2016 at the age of 83. Read more trending news Netflix, with permission of Wilder’s family, has recreated the actor’s voice through a partnership with E...
Key takeaway The series is also a collaboration with the Roald Dahl Story Company, which was acquired by Netflix in 2021, according to Reuters.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
Atlanta residents who grew up watching Gene Wilder's iconic portrayal of Willy Wonka will be intrigued by Netflix's use of AI to revive his voice for the new reality competition series. The show's premiere on September 23 will likely spark conversations among locals about the intersection of technology and entertainment. As a city with a thriving film and television production industry, Atlanta may see increased interest in AI-generated content and its potential applications in the local creative sector. The fact that Netflix partnered with ElevenLabs to recreate Wilder's voice raises questions about the future of voice acting and the role of AI in preserving the legacies of beloved actors. With the show's release, Atlantans can expect to see local discussions about the possibilities and limitations of AI-generated content, and how it may shape the city's entertainment landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Netflix has brought Gene Wilder back to help promote the streaming service’s new “Willy Wonka” reality competition series. Sadly, Wilder died in 2016 at the age of 83. Read more trending news Netflix, with permission of Wilder’s family, has recreated the actor’s voice through a partnership with E...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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