The ghouls at Netflix are attempting to "resurrect" Gene Wilder via genAI, and his wife is on board with it
https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/gene-wilder-voice-ai-willy-wonka-netflix-series-1236799327/
https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/gene-wilder-voice-ai-willy-wonka-netflix-series-1236799327/
73 Comments
ApeNo1@lemmy.world · 100 pts · 3d
Come with me and you'll be
In a world of AI fabrication
Take a look and you'll see
The slop enshittification
We'll begin with marketing spin
Traveling in the world of exploitation
What we'll see will defy explanation
UpAndAtThem@lemmy.world · 19 pts · 3d
If you want to view paradise, Simply vibe around and feel it, Anything you want, Just steal it. Want to change the world? Just dirty deal it.
the_wizard_of_0Z@lemmy.ca · 11 pts · 3d
Sheet đ€Ł I got more joy out of you than any of this chatgipity slop. I might have to steal this. đ«”
rob_t_firefly@lemmy.world · 50 pts · 3d
Last year I saw a stage play about Gene Wilder. The actor playing Wilder, Jonathan Randell Silver, bore a passing visual resemblance to him, helped along by a good hair and makeup job, but also sounded and behaved very like him. Silver had obviously studied Wilder's mannerisms and choices, both in Wilder's iconic roles and in Wilder's own persona from interviews and such, and Silver's performance in the play really evoked Wilder on a very effective level whether it was recreating some of Wilder's famous comedy bits and characters or portraying the real Wilder behind the scenes. This was an actor who understood the role, and used real human choices and talent to create his performance.
There are countless talented actors and impressionists who could have recreated Wilder's Wonka on a human level and given a genuine performance with a real soul behind it. The use of low-effort AI slop instead was a deliberate choice here, and it falls to the viewing public to accept this or not.
Also, this is a fucking game show. They are digitally defiling a beloved corpse for a fucking game show.
UltraGiGaGigantic@lemmy.ml · 5 pts · 1d
Sounds great, but it would cost slightly more and then the people higher up the chain would have slightly less money. so this is why we have to set the culture and arts on fire to turn this giant money machine on.
Hobo@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 3d
Any idea where I could watch a recording? I didn't know anything about this show and would love to see it. I could find small clips and excerpts but could find the whole show anywhere
rob_t_firefly@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 3d
It was a small production at an Off-Broadway theatre, so I don't believe any full filmed production of it has been published, but maybe someone will remount a production sometime. It was a very good show.
Hobo@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 2d
Off topic question but is your username a reference to the Marx Brother's movie Duck Soup's Rufus T Firefly character? I know it's not quite the same name but close enough to name me raise an eyebrow.
rob_t_firefly@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 2d
I assume the eyebrow you're raising is painted on. đ„ž
And yes, you're correct. Short version of the story: I'm a lifelong Marx Brothers fan and I used "Rufus T. Firefly" as a screenname for a bit back in the 1990s before deciding I wanted to use something a little more "me," changing the first name to my given one, and dropping the period after the T.
Thanks for your curiosity!
Hobo@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 2d
That's awesome! I don't think I've seen a Marx Brothers reference outside of very surface level Groucho, Harpo, or Chico. I used Zeppo as a internet handle for a long time. Really cool, and kind of excited, to see someone else that's a fan!
funkless_eck@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 2d
As a theatre artist myself - part of the fun of doing live performance is the ephemeral, never-to-be-repeated part. Recorded theatre never works.
Hobo@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 2d
Yeah it does. It can work just fine. Just because you have that opinion doesn't mean it's true. I also have a background in performing arts if we just want to appeal to authority...
But I've personally seen several recordings of live shows that were pretty good representations of the show itself. For a recent example, the recording of Hadestown with the orginal cast is pretty solid and I quite enjoyed it even after seeing the live show previously.
funkless_eck@sh.itjust.works · 0 pts · 2d
I've also seen the Hadestown Netflix- and Hamilton, and I grew up watching the Cats original recording on VHS.
Although they're entirely passable, they aren't as good as movie-musicals (examples - Singing in the Rain, The Muppets 2011, Mary Poppins, West Side Story, Hairspray, Wicked) or as good as the live shows.
Hobo@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 1d
Is not the same as:
Watching a live performance is going to have a different energy obviously. But seeing it recorded is still better than never seeing it at all.
The "art is ephemeral" is pure art school nonsense and 99% of the time ends up being turning into "art for the elite that can afford it." I thought it was silly in art school 30 years ago and have had 30 years to think about why I still think it's silly. It's one of those buttons for me that, when I see it, I have a really hard time not being harsh to the person regurgitating the sentiment.
funkless_eck@sh.itjust.works · -1 pts · 1d
Given the choice of a recorded theatre or live theatre id pick live theatre.
Given the choice of a movie or recorded theatre I'd pick a movie.
And I think that's the nail in the coffin for me.
spicehoarder@lemmy.zip · 3 pts · 1d
Okay, but what about movie vs live theatre?
wheezy@lemmy.ml · 44 pts · 3d
I swear to God boomers hold nothing sacred but their own self satisfaction. The two brain cells in a tug of war that are operating their brains fucking LOVE AI slop.
Like, his wife probably sees this as "a remembrance" of him or whatever. She probably has no fucking clue and got convinced by a suit to allow it.
But, holy shit, if this isn't a perfect example of that generations continuing brain rot.
Like, isn't it a human instinct as you age to look to handing the torch off to the next generation for leadership, making sure they are guided and educated well; but at the same time sacrificing your own importance and recognizing your story is reaching an end? Planting trees for which you know you will never enjoy the shade of. That kind of thing?
Boomers. Boomers are currently in denial of their own mortality. Their own denial of it in combination with the massive wealth gap is a plague on this world. The median age of the US Senate is fucking 65. These fuckers will not let go.
And AI slop is allowing them to find "new" creations of whatever reminds them of a time when they were important. Talk about pulling the ladder up behind you. They can't even let an icon from their generation rest in peace.
I heard this shit on the dumbass that is Dave Ramsey recently.
https://youtu.be/eGfOSJ40HnI
Listen to this shit. Listen to this. This is the brain rot of the boomers. This is the brain rot of capitalism. A lady with so much fucking brain rot from capitalism that she has lost the maternal instinct to ensure the success and safety of her own children. Like, you can't make this shit up. She deserves to die alone.
I'm sorry. I'm not usually a "generation" basher. But I needed to rant. There are good boomers out there. But, the average representative of that generation is an absolute narcissist that cannot let go. Too much fucking lead poisoning.
SpaceCowboy@lemmy.ca · 4 pts · 2d
Nobody other than boomers have brainrot and nobody other than boomers would ever go along with anything AI related to make money. Definitely just boomers doing that!
My generation is special and is completely pure of any greed and always well-informed!
UltraGiGaGigantic@lemmy.ml · 0 pts · 1d
Do not divide the working class in such a way.
The class war is the 1% vs the working class, not generation vs generation.
wheezy@lemmy.ml · 2 pts · 1d
This is like saying it's bad to acknowledge white privilege because it divides the working class.
You're being a class reductionist. It's not bad to use language that normal people can understand. Especially when doing it in the context of a criticism of capitalism and class conflict. Which is what I did. It's why you quoted "boomers" and nothing else. You're not responding to the content of my comment. You're pointing to a label that the working class uses AND understands and then telling me not to use that label.
I'd agree with you if a generation argument was being used to mask class conflict. But I did not do that at all. Not in the slightest.
Reread my comment and reply to some actual substance if you want. Otherwise all you're doing is policing a word.
perishthethought@piefed.social · -1 pts · 3d
Ageism, the only bigotry that's still OK. đ
TORFdot0@lemmy.world · 10 pts · 3d
He never once directed hate to boomers due to their age but due to their power and actions.
wheezy@lemmy.ml · 6 pts · 3d
Rascism has systemic backing. The systems of white supremacy are upheld by the institutions of our government, police and society.
The same goes for sexism and the systems of patriarchy that are upheld socially and systemically.
Ableism, class, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, etc.
For any I can point to systemic and material examples that are not just founded in individual hatred; but foundational to the structures of American society.
Hell, Ageism, I could point to examples of the poverty draft, entrapment of student loan debt, gig economy work replacing jobs that once offered benefits and retirement plans. Free healthcare for the old but not for the young. Adults defining their entire political identity around their need to bully trans kids out of a sense of normalcy and comradery through playing sports. Though that last one is a part of intersectionality. Though the victims of it are primarily cis kids on "genital inspection day" with their pedo gym teacher.
I really would love an example of Ageism from a systemic level of oppression that impacts the boomer generation. Not related to intersectionality. Not "well older black woman experience..."
I can think of maybe a couple. End of life care being one. A medical system that milks people not for a quality of life but for the profits of a parasitic healthcare system. I'll give you that.
But, Ageism is not "being mean to old people". Any "ism" or "phobia" is not that. It is a system of oppression that holds and maintains power by creating hierarchical structures.
The current hierarchical structures of class are extremely weighed in the favor of a generation of the elderly that have spent an entire lifetime closing the door behind them with every opportunity and benefit that they themselves enjoyed.
I will never judge an individual person based on their age alone. But, when that old person is talking about their hatred for the younger generation that is fighting against a world of capitalist exploitation, that is literally setting our entire planet on fire, I'm going point to the material conditions, propaganda, and literal lead poisoning that has made that generation (at least in general) so parasitic.
postcard_luxury@feddit.org · -5 pts · 2d
you know you're in too deep when it takes a wall of text to rationalize a double standard
wheezy@lemmy.ml · 6 pts · 2d
Edit: Actually a different user. But, really, the same mindset as the original. My original comment below with the assumption it was the same user.
When you just make a conclusion without any argument you can get away with only writing a single sentence. I don't enjoy responding with thought terminating cliches. I instead write a comment that takes all of 30 seconds to read. But, I guess that's a "wall of text" for you.
You've now spent two comments just responding with conclusions. If you want to convince anyone, beyond yourself, of that conclusion; you might want to try writing a bit more. Its not 2020 anymore. No one is impressed by your ability to label something as an "ism" in order to shutdown discussion. If you have a problem with a specific point I made. I'm willing to listen. But you've done nothing but put a label on things Ive said without any justification for that label.
If what I said was "Ageism" point to the part you think is, and why you think it is.
If I have a "double standard" actually say what that double standard is.
I'm also still waiting for an example of the systemic Ageism that boomers are facing that I'm advocating for. But I guess you can't be bothered to even engage in defending your own baseless accusations.
I'm sure I'll just get another single sentence response with a thought terminating cliche.
architect@thelemmy.club · 2 pts · 2d
If this hurt your feelings that bad youâre privileged. Be thankful.
perishthethought@piefed.social · -2 pts · 2d
I am privileged and I am thankful. But the comment I replied to didn't hurt my feelings. What it did was stereotype an entire generation, many times, and I am opposed to doing that. I don't do that when thinking about Gen X or Y or Z (or anyone else) and I'd hope we could move on from that kind of prejudice. That's all.
wheezy@lemmy.ml · 2 pts · 1d
I'd ask yourself why you're sensitive to a "stereotype" being used to explain the outcomes of capitalist exploitation. I would ask you if you'd understand and agree with the same type of comment but with replacing "generation" with "white privilege"? Would you be so quick to defend the white working class from a "stereotype" in a frustrated rant?
My comment was off the cuff and crude. I think we can both agree there. But, I don't think I was being unfair. Maybe a bit hyperbolic. My comment was definitely weighing in heavily to the "fuck boomers" feeling of the younger generations. But, it was not without a point of class structures, capitalist exploitation, and understanding that the stereotype is not all inclusive, but simply a venting of those frustrations.
I think the "no war but class war" crowd has fallen pray to class reductionism and the methods in which to communicate with the working class. The "no war but class war" is literal, not figurative. I think people forget that.
In the same way that "white privilege" in a vacuum is insufficient in describing the entire picture of of working class exploitation. Without it, it is insufficient in understanding how to address the issues of intersectionality in order to communicate with and radicalize the masses.
Also, let's be clear, "Boomers" as a term is never referring to black or otherwise oppressed people of that generation. I would hope that anyone reading a comment like mine would assume that in good faith.
The issue is of class, the issue is of privilege, but for some reason i get more people ready to fight back against a criticism of "boomers" than I do when criticizing "white people". When the term is literally specifically about the most privileged generation of white people that ever existed.
For me, I'm ok with using stereotypes of privileged groups to vent frustrations. I think it's a way normal people communicate. And it's a lot more popular than a comment like this that is much heavier with leftist vocabulary. And I don't think it's a bad way to communicate to the masses and vent a frustration with capitalism.
The "good" boomers. They are just as frustrated with their generation as we are. You think they love the Senate with an average age of 65? Fuck no.
They aren't offended by a classification and frustration that they feel as well. And as long as their is a bit of understanding (that I gave in my original comment) that the stereotype is not all inclusive there is no problem with it.
If there is one category of people I'm NOT communicating to, it's the "boomers" that would be offended by my original comment. There is no hope for them at this point. And it's ok to accept that and use the language of the current generation to direct their frustrations towards class conflict.
Long comment. Sorry. But, I do respect the criticism. I was not communicating in a way that was meant to reach out to someone with your perspective. But I hope you can at least understand where the original comment came from in the first place.
Edit: Just realized I gave you a wall of text previously from another comment and didn't get a reply. Second times a charm? I'm in a better mood tonight at least.
darthsundhaft@piefed.social · 25 pts · 3d
This is like living through IRL horror movie. How awful. Gene Wilder is unironically my favorite actor of all time. The fact that his wife of all people is ok with this shows how out of touch people are with reality. We're literally doing anything to escape at this point. This madness needs to stop.
UltraGiGaGigantic@lemmy.ml · 1 pts · 1d
But what about the moneyyyyyyyyyyy?
jerkface@lemmy.ca · -12 pts · 2d
She's doing nothing wrong.
UltraGiGaGigantic@lemmy.ml · 2 pts · 1d
Slavery is legal for prisoners in the USA.
Totally cool, totally legal.
Amnesigenic@lemmy.ml · 1 pts · 1d
Your opinions are worthless
resipsaloquitur@lemmy.cafe · 22 pts · 3d
I thought we were boiling the ocean to cure cancer.
njordomir@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 2d
1% curing cancer 98% anime titties, 1% everything else.
dbtng@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 1d
We need more orphans on that fire!
LemmyUser0909@sh.itjust.works · 21 pts · 3d
Gilda would have never been on board with this, may they both rest in peace.
Also does this mean they might AI that POS Uncle Joe? Not the actor (Jack Albertson) the character.
I also bet we see strong opposition from Tim Burton and Johnny Depp
melsaskca@lemmy.ca · 20 pts · 3d
"But sir, the cow is dead." "Shaddup! There's still milk inside there somewhere. Keep looking!!!".
Ganbat@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 20 pts · 2d
This is not a surprise, his widow has been profiting off of him from the moment he died. Within a year of his death, I started seeing lottery scratch tickets with his face scattered across the ground outside gas stations.
sem@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 18 pts · 2d
Fredselfish@sh.itjust.works · 17 pts · 3d
I called this shit 30 years ago. Not sure who here remember the Budwiser commercial with John Wayne. On that day I told anyone who would listen give it enough time and they will bring dead actors back from the dead to make movies and tv shows.
Here we are, how much longer before they bring back the greats? John Candy, Chris Farley, hell John Belushi. Maybe Rodney Dangerfield.
Remember when couple assholes tried to bring back George Carlin? Just matter of time and family that cares more for money then the person they lost. Or better yet just wait long enough for the technology to get good enough and those left that will be so far removed that why wouldn't they take a million to allow great uncle or grandpa likeness be used?
And don't forget all the musicians that could be brought back cranking out AI music. Bet they sell million albums of new songs sung by "Elvis "
Going be brave new world soon. Good news for us is that for small artists, and independent films will become more popular. Because we will always choose people over robots. At least I hope so.
frunch@lemmy.world · 11 pts · 3d
I worry that we simply won't be given any human choices eventually
MousePotatoDoesStuff@piefed.social · 16 pts · 3d
Regardless of one's taste, Depp's and Chalamet's Wonka impressions are both better that the slop Netflix is going to cre- I mean, generate out of this.
destructdisc@lemmy.world · 10 pts · 3d
Chalamet's Wonka was actually surprisingly brilliant. I wasn't even going to watch the movie, they just happened to be showing it at the airport while I was on a long layover so I figured what the hell. I'm really glad I did
Widdershins@lemmy.world · 14 pts · 3d
I've always wanted to get real famous and then die right before the peak of my career so 10 years later I can be seen dancing with vacuum cleaners for a commercial on netflix.
Snapz@lemmy.world · 13 pts · 2d
You stole my identity... You lose! You get NOTHING! GOOD DAY, SIR!
20cello@lemmy.world · 13 pts · 3d
The backlash will be stronk
Anarki_@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 7 pts · 3d
X to doubt
daggermoon@piefed.world · 3 pts · 3d
Only old people who don't give a shit will watch it anyway.
rob_t_firefly@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 3d
Old people who don't give a shit are the main target audience for AI slop.
the_wizard_of_0Z@lemmy.ca · 10 pts · 3d
What would you pirate in a world of AI Slop?
The answer is nothing. Now to prepare for the overthrow of the capitalist class since the treats are all dried up.
Win Win
YOu WillL 0wN nOtHiNg aNd Be hApPy!!! đ€Ź
What I think you mean is all you have is a turd sandwich that you tryin to rent.
I'd rather hold my hog and stare at a wall.
Kicking a can is better than the gipity man....
I will waste my time not you.
lechekaflan@lemmy.world · 9 pts · 2d
Translated: she wants more money.
queermunist@lemmy.ml · 7 pts · 3d
We are only years away from being able to torture the digital ghost of John Candy in the Metaverse.
SteveLeo@piefed.social · 6 pts · 3d
Spinning in his grave
Hobo@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 3d
At the very least he's doing somersaults.
jerkface@lemmy.ca · -2 pts · 2d
Imagine being dead and still giving a shit about this. Move to the light, dude.
Amnesigenic@lemmy.ml · 0 pts · 1d
Get a job
aesthelete@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 1d
I don't believe in boycotts working. Boycott this anyway.
Or better yet if someone you know wants to watch it pirate it and give them a copy.
DarrinBrunner@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 2d
Yet another movie I won't be either paying a cent to watch, or even pirating.
rumba@lemmy.zip · 5 pts · 1d
https://harrisonestatelaw.com/celebrity-estate-lesson-gene-wilder/
He didn't just leave her a lump sum, it was only 20m in total. Split amongst the family, probably all used to living the high life. It's reasonably possible that they've spent through what they had and it's this or reduce lifestyle
DrunkVulcan@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 2d
How do I proxy a downvote into reality?
Amnesigenic@lemmy.ml · 0 pts · 1d
Throw bricks
hendrik@palaver.p3x.de · 4 pts · 3d
Just his voice, though? Ressurect him entirely! we want to see something!1!11!! And while at it, maybe a few other dead actors as well. They could all play some character in the movie. And we got some really good authors and storywriters who are dead. Maybe let AI cook up the story in their beloved style... And if it works out great, why not do all the visuals and effects this way, too?
And I never got why they do re-runs on TV. Why not delete the old episodes and let people watch AI Columbo investigate in the slop-70s? That'd be great. Go, Nextflix! We're all counting on you.
Mulligrubs@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 1d
Every time I've seen a movie with some "resurrected" actor, without exception, I am revolted and totally removed from the film.
Will someone else in the role fall short of the original? Probably... but that's because the original is dead. Let them rest in peace, and allow all of the living to enjoy their works before we follow them.
Do other people appreciate these computer revenants? Wouldn't someone who's never seen the original also be removed from the film by a CGI "actor" amongst all of the meatballs?
In this case, are voice actors that hard to find? We can't find anyone who sounds somewhat like Gene Wilder?
Re wife/family approval... get a job. Maybe as a voice actor, I've heard we are short of them.
Old man yelling at clouds out
naevaTheRat@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 3 pts · 1d
I remember my wife getting me to watch that starballs movie where the grand moppet character or whatever was some vile CGI rigged corpse.
I felt viceral disgust and a portent of the future. Fuck me for thinking that it should mean something that someone lived and died, and that things should end and decay so new things can take their place.
spicehoarder@lemmy.zip · 3 pts · 1d
What?
Edit: oh, you're talking about Tarkin from the (7th?) star wars movie
dbtng@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 1d
To be fair ... Gene Wilder did write and star in a movie about bringing back the dead.
Oh, and I'm firmly on the "schtien" (not "schtine") side of the debate.
theand@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 1d
That tells you everything you need to know about the company. First thing you drop to make you faster when chasing money is morals.
verity_kindle@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 3d
Maybe she needs more dependable income from residuals. I can't excoriate her for that. Not every famous dude's widow is rolling in liquidity. It doesn't make good ragebait click, so sure, assume away. Her side of the story is probably prosaic, no one wants to hear about needing another stent or something.
WaxRhetorical@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 2d
Yeah, the decision to allow this can be complex. But the system that exists that asks this question is insane and what we should be fighting against.