Gene Wilder, the renowned ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’ star, made an indelible mark on fans’ minds with his work in Hollywood. Now, the voice of the late actor will be regenerated through AI models and voice cloning technology for the brand-new unscripted reality show, ‘Wonka’s The Golden Ticket.’ Here’s a closer look at Gene Wilder’s voice being recreated for a Willy Wonka-themed reality show.
Gene Wilder’s voice will take an AI-generated shape
Gene Wilder played the titular role in the 1971 live-action film, becoming a part of history through his legacy. The late star, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 83 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease, will make an AI-generated return in the reality show, ‘Wonka’s The Golden Ticket,’ which premieres on September 23, 2026, per Variety.
About ‘Wonka’s The Golden Ticket’
The show will revolve around 12 golden ticket holders, who will be accompanied by their partners, and navigate their way through games after entering a version of Wonka’s Chocolate Factory to determine the ultimate winner. Wilder’s wife, Karen B. Wilder, shared a statement on behalf of the Gene Wilder Estate: “More than five decades after Gene brought Willy Wonka to life, people of all ages and backgrounds around the world continue to find joy, laughter and inspiration in his performance.”“Gene had a remarkable ability to bring humour, wonder and heart into people’s lives, and that connection has endured for generations,” she continued, adding that the upcoming reality show hopes to celebrate the warmth and imagination the actor brought to the role. Moreover, the show seeks to bring the magic of the 1971 classic to a new generation and honour the fans who have poured love into the film for decades. The reality show will feature Rusty Goffe, who portrayed an Oompa Loompa in the film, reprising his role during the challenges.