Written By: Dimmachukwu Ndubuisi
A controversial move by two of Hollywood’s finest actors has raised concerns over the issue of consent and the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the voiceover industry.
In a rather shocking move for voice actors globally, it was gathered via an Instagram post by @screenthrill that Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine have officially signed with AI company, Eleven Labs, to replicate their iconic voices using artificial intelligence.
According to reports, the 56-year-old McConaughey is also investing in the company’s tech to release a Spanish-language version of his “Lyrics of Livin” newsletter narrated in his own AI voice. While his 92-year-old colleague is said to have joined the company’s ‘Iconic Voice Marketplace’, which ethically licenses the voices of legendary figures like Liza Minelli, Judy Garland, John Wayne, Laurence Olivier, Maya Angelou, and even Babe Ruth.
In Caine’s words, “It’s not about replacing voices; it’s about amplifying them, opening doors for new storytellers everywhere”.
Their recent decision has since triggered sharp responses from professional and up-and-coming talents. Some have remained indifferent.
Instagram user @tylerjham commented,
“Caine said ‘I’m 92 and want the money and don’t give a shit‘. But he said it with his charming accent.”
While @ayush.rajan19 said, “I mean…selling voices and replicating it has been a thing for ages. At least they’ve agreed to it here”
User @gremlinjohn04 remained indifferent, commenting, “At least they gave their consent, I guess?”
@tulsahudson and @tony_pena_sound responded with memes that said I DON’T LIKE IT, and BOO, respectively.
@logan.mersh described the update as disappointing
@ryeoutsidethebox, who focused on the positives, said, “The only silver lining is that they approved of it”
But @lisa_catara was not having it; “Why do the upper class in our industry make it harder and harder for journeymen performers to have careers? Consent IS an important issue, but the bigger picture are the ramifications of being readily available for purchase in any project, across mediums, for a check. Stars have the means to police the usage of their likenesses. The other 96% do not.”
In another cheeky remark, @cupik_1 commented, “AI is gonna do the physical labor jobs so humans can focus on the creative ones.” Yeah, sure.
User @jjphranko simply advocated for greenhorns, “Give new talent a chance instead.”
While the debate continues, do you agree with the move by the Actors? Would you listen to an AI-generated audiobook voiced by either celebrity? Share your opinions with us.
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