Entertainment
Netflix’s Wonka Reality Series Will Use AI to Recreate Gene Wilder’s Voice
Netflix has officially revealed that its upcoming reality competition series, Wonka’s The Golden Ticket, will premiere on September 23, and one of its biggest surprises is already generating plenty of discussion. The streamer has recreated the iconic voice of Gene Wilder using artificial intelligence, allowing the legendary actor’s portrayal of Willy Wonka to guide contestants throughout the series.
According to Netflix, the AI-generated voice was created in partnership with ElevenLabs and, importantly, with the full approval of Gene Wilder’s estate. The series is inspired by both the beloved 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and Roald Dahl’s classic novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Contestants who earn a coveted Golden Ticket will compete in a series of physical, mental, and moral challenges inside a recreation of Wonka’s magical factory.
Karen B. Wilder, speaking on behalf of the Gene Wilder estate, shared her support for the project:
“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 humor, wonder and heart into people’s lives, and that connection has endured for generations. We are delighted that Wonka’s The Golden Ticket celebrates the warmth and imagination that he brought to the role, introducing that magic to a new generation while honoring the fans who have cherished it for decades.”
The series will also feature Rusty Goffe, who portrayed one of the original Oompa Loompas in the 1971 film, adding another nostalgic connection to the beloved classic. While the use of AI to recreate performances remains a controversial topic across Hollywood, Netflix’s collaboration with Wilder’s estate is likely to be a major talking point leading up to the show’s premiere.
RJ Mitte, the actor best known for portraying Walter White Jr. on the acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34.
Mitte died Monday in Brownsville, Texas. His representatives confirmed his death in a statement, remembering him as an actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate. A cause of death has not been officially announced.
Mitte became widely known for his role as Walter White Jr., also known as Flynn, the son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White on Breaking Bad. He appeared throughout all five seasons of the series from 2008 through 2013 and became an important part of one of television’s most celebrated ensembles.
Like his character, Mitte lived with cerebral palsy. He drew from his own experiences for the role and later became an outspoken advocate for greater representation and opportunities for people with disabilities in Hollywood.
Breaking Bad [Sony Pictures Television]
Mitte also worked extensively with organizations supporting people with disabilities, including United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, and served as president of The Mitte Foundation.
His representatives described him as a powerful voice for inclusion whose influence reached well beyond his work on screen.
RJ Mitte was 34.
Jeremy Allen White is ready to step into the shoes of legendary actor Gene Wilder, he just needs someone to make the call.
The Bear star recently addressed the possibility of portraying Wilder in an upcoming biopic after fans pointed out the striking resemblance between the two actors.
During an appearance on TODAY, White was asked whether he would be interested in taking on the role.
“Absolutely, it would be my honour,”
White said.
White went on to reveal his longtime admiration for Wilder and some of his most iconic films.
“Young Frankenstein is one of my earliest film memories. Blazing Saddles, he’s a genius. It would be an honor. He was a genius. It would be an honor. Yeah, I love him. I’ve always loved him.”
Jeremy Allen White [Photo by Dan Doperalski]
Despite his enthusiasm, White confirmed that he has not been cast in the project. When asked whether the role was already his, the actor quickly responded, “No! No, no, no,” before adding, “We’ll see, we’re manifesting it.”
A Gene Wilder biopic was announced earlier this year, with filmmaker Dito Montiel attached to direct. The project has the cooperation of Wilder’s estate, though casting has yet to be announced.
Wilder remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic performers, starring in classics including Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles and The Producers. He died in 2016 at the age of 83 following complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
With White openly interested and fans already making comparisons between the two actors, the upcoming biopic may have just found its most obvious candidate, even if the phone hasn’t rung yet.
Blumhouse is bringing another popular horror video game to the big screen.
The studio is developing a live-action adaptation of Amanda the Adventurer, the indie horror game series from MANGLEDmaw Games and publisher DreadXP.
The project was announced during BlumFest at New York Comic Con, with Matthew “MatPat” Patrick attached to produce the film. Patrick is best known for creating the popular Game Theory YouTube series and has spent years exploring the lore behind horror games and other franchises.
Amanda the Adventurer follows Riley Park, who inherits the home of their Aunt Kate and discovers a collection of mysterious VHS tapes in the attic. The tapes contain episodes of an apparently innocent children’s program starring a young girl named Amanda and her sheep companion, Wooly.
Things quickly become much more disturbing when Amanda and Wooly appear capable of communicating directly with the person watching the tapes.
Amanda the Adventurer
The original game became known for combining the appearance of an early-2000s children’s television show with puzzle-solving, psychological horror and increasingly unsettling imagery.
The franchise has since expanded with Amanda the Adventurer 2 and Amanda the Adventurer 3.
The movie will also mark the first project under a broader partnership between Patrick and Blumhouse focused on adapting indie horror games and online horror properties for the screen.
Blumhouse already has major experience turning horror games into theatrical properties following the success of its Five Nights at Freddy’s films.
The Amanda the Adventurer adaptation remains early in development. A writer and director have not yet been announced, and there is currently no confirmed cast or release date.
Breaking Bad Star RJ Mitte Dies at 34
RJ Mitte, the actor best known for portraying Walter White Jr. on the acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad, has died...
Jeremy Allen White Says It Would Be an ‘Honor’ to Play Gene Wilder in Upcoming Biopic
Jeremy Allen White is ready to step into the shoes of legendary actor Gene Wilder, he just needs someone to...
Blumhouse Is Developing a Live-Action ‘Amanda the Adventurer’ Movie
Blumhouse is bringing another popular horror video game to the big screen. The studio is developing a live-action adaptation of...
New ‘Paranormal Activity’ Movie Is Returning to the Original House
Paranormal Activity is going back to where the nightmare began. The upcoming eighth installment in the found-footage horror franchise will...
Carrie-ing the Torch: A Bloody Brilliant Return to a Stephen King Classic
Introduction: Taking Another Stab at a Familiar Story Just when I thought the story of Carrie White had been adapted...
John Cena Says Peacemaker Is Taking a Backseat as James Gunn Builds Out the DCU
John Cena may not be putting on the Peacemaker helmet again anytime soon, but the actor appears perfectly comfortable waiting...
