Netflix's new reality series Wonka's The Golden Ticket, which offers its winner a 'lifetime supply of money,' has come under fire from viewers. The show, which recreates the fantastical chocolate factory from Roald Dahl's children's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, features 24 people competing for a cash prize of $3 million through challenges ranging from physical tasks to moral quandaries.
Following its release to the streaming platform on September 23, many viewers criticised its use of AI to recreate the voice of the late actor Gene Wilder, who portrayed the eponymous chocolatier in the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Viewers vent over AI voice recreation
"They could literally have hired a fun host to dress up as Wonka," one vented, claiming the Netflix show "didn't need" to use Gene Wilder's voice. "This is gross. I had a mild interest in watching as I love this franchise. I'll be skipping this one," penned another, while a third fumed: "Nothing says 'pure imagination' like exploiting a dead man's voice for a cash grab."
Despite the backlash, Wilder's estate did give their permission for his voice to be recreated. Showrunner Alison Holloway explained to Netflix's Tudum that Gene "was the only person" who could be Wonka. "To have that blessing from his widow that this was OK to do was just fantastic," she explained. "You just hope that somewhere he's looking down on this project and will guide us through."
Showrunners defend the process
Emer Harkin, also a showrunner, added: "Every sentence, every turn of phrase, every lilt, all the intonation have been very meticulously considered in a really meaningful way," continuing, "It was a laborious but gorgeous process to really nail that Wonka voice."
Not everyone was disappointed with the show either. One viewer remarked: "I didn't think it was terrible? I think they could've not used AI and used Johnny Depp if they wanted a 'canon' Willy Wonka voice but I get the nostalgia with the first one RIP Gene Wilder." A second, leaping to its defence, penned: "The show is doing more than other reality TV shows, at LEAST there's an attempt at challenges and not another love show."
Meanwhile a third shared: "I stumbled upon it and clicked only because I also assumed it was a baking show. I did continue to watch. It's ridiculous and over the top (and definitely does not need an AI Gene Wilder) but I'm enjoying it for what it is." Wonka's Golden Ticket is now streaming on Netflix.
