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You’re only supposed to blow the bloody hooves off: AI Michael Caine narrates Odyssey audiobook

You’re only supposed to blow the bloody hooves off: AI Michael Caine narrates Odyssey audiobook

Summary

A new audiobook version of Homer’s The Odyssey uses an AI-generated voice that sounds like actor Michael Caine. The audiobook was created by ElevenLabs, a company that allows people to rent famous voices using artificial intelligence technology. This follows a trend where actors license their voices and likenesses to be used digitally, even after retirement or death.

Key Facts

  • Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation of The Odyssey will be released soon, following his successful movie Oppenheimer.
  • Michael Caine, aged 93, provided his AI voice for a new 13-hour audiobook of The Odyssey by ElevenLabs.
  • ElevenLabs is an $11 billion company specializing in AI voice cloning and offers celebrity voices for rent through its Iconic Voice Marketplace.
  • Caine retired from acting but agreed to license his voice for AI use, allowing his voice to appear in future media.
  • Other actors like Matthew McConaughey, Bruce Willis, and Val Kilmer have also licensed their voices or likenesses for AI projects.
  • ElevenLabs’ Odyssey audiobook uses the 1870s translation by William Cullen Bryant and features a full cast, music, and sound effects.
  • The AI version of Caine’s voice was refined with his input to ensure accuracy and quality.
  • This technology allows celebrities’ voices and images to be used indefinitely with permission from estates.
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