AI voice technology firm ElevenLabs has announced new partnerships with Hollywood actors Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey to create AI-generated versions of their voices. The move signals a growing acceptance of artificial intelligence within the entertainment industry, following years of tension over its ethical use and potential to replace human creativity. The issue of AI replication was among the major concerns that contributed to the Hollywood strikes just a few years ago.
While many artists remain cautious, some are beginning to explore the technology’s potential in controlled and consent-based ways. McConaughey, who is also an investor in ElevenLabs, will reportedly use his AI-generated voice to translate his personal newsletter into Spanish-language audio, expanding accessibility to his global audience. Similarly, the collaboration with Sir Michael Caine marks one of the first major instances of a legendary actor licensing his voice for AI-driven applications.
ElevenLabs also unveiled a new AI voice marketplace that allows brands to license and use authorized AI-generated voices of celebrities. The marketplace will feature the voices of Caine, McConaughey, and other notable figures such as Liza Minnelli and Dr. Maya Angelou, among others. The initiative represents a shift toward ethical AI voice cloning, emphasizing consent and revenue-sharing with voice owners.
Backed by major investors like a16z and ICONIQ, ElevenLabs has become one of the leading unicorns in the generative AI sector. The company’s latest move blends commercial innovation with respect for creative ownership, a balance that Hollywood continues to grapple with as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in the production and distribution of entertainment content