A new chapter is opening in the world of celebrity voices and artificial intelligence. The company ElevenLabs has just announced deals with two big Hollywood stars Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey to create AI versions of their voices that can be used in new media and tech platforms.
This is more than just a tech headline. It touches on how voice, identity, creativity and business are changing. In this post we will look at what the deals mean, how the technology works and why it matters to you.
What is Happening?
ElevenLabs has built tools that can mimic or generate human voices using artificial intelligence. Now they have signed agreements with Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey. For McConaughey the deal includes translating his newsletter into Spanish with his AI voice.
For Caine the deal means his voice will be part of what ElevenLabs calls the Iconic Voice Marketplace, a marketplace where brands and creators can license famous voices legally.
In simpler words: imagine hearing Michael Caine’s voice in a brand ad, or McConaughey’s voice telling a story in Spanish even if they did not record it live for that project. The AI version does it.
How The Technology Works
Here’s the technology in a nutshell:
- ElevenLabs trains its voice models on recordings of a person’s voice, tone, style and inflection.
- With sufficient data and correct permissions, a synthetic version of the voice can speak new words that the person never recorded.
- The license deals mean the celebrity gives consent and often receives payment for use of their voice.
- Brands or creators request access through a marketplace, negotiate terms, and then use the voice in audio projects.
The company emphasises the idea of “licensed, authorized celebrity voices” so that the voice clones are used fairly and with permission.
Why It Matters
There are several reasons why this is a big deal:
- New Creative Possibilities
For creators, this opens new ways to tell stories. You could have Michael Caine narrate your audiobook, or McConaughey’s voice available in Spanish without him re-recording it. The cost, logistics and language barriers may shrink. - Changing Business Models for Celebs
For celebrities, their voice becomes an asset. Instead of just being in films or ads, their voice can be licensed repeatedly for many kinds of media. This adds a new income stream. - Ethical & Legal Questions
While exciting, this technology raises important questions about voice rights, impersonation and identity. ElevenLabs’ model of licensing aims to solve some of those concerns. - Impact for Users
For you or me, this could change what we hear in audio books, ads, interactive media and apps. But it also means we must stay aware: a voice saying something may sound like a celebrity, but might be synthetic.
What the Celebs Said
Michael Caine said something striking: “It’s not about replacing voices; it’s about amplifying them.” He emphasized that the deal is about helping future storytellers and preserving voice. McConaughey said the technology will help him reach and connect with more people.
Their comments highlight that this technology is, in their view, a tool for extending voice and reach, not replacing the human behind the voice.
What Comes Next
Here are some things we should watch for:
- More celebrity voices: The marketplace already lists many icons, living and deceased, whose voices may be licensed.
- Wider use in media: Brands, podcasts, gaming, audiobooks may increasingly use licensed celebrity voices to connect with audiences.
- Stronger regulation and rights protection: As voice cloning becomes more common, legal frameworks and ethical standards will likely expand.
- User awareness and authenticity: As consumers we may need ways to verify if a voice is real or synthetic.
The Bottom Line
ElevenLabs’ deals with Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey mark a milestone in how AI voices are being used in mainstream media and entertainment. For creators, celebrities, brands and audiences this technology opens fresh doors. But it also calls for care in how we use and trust voice technology.
Voice is identity and expression. When technology changes how voice is used, it touches art, technology and human connection all at once. These deals are a signal that the voice you hear may be powered by AI. Knowing that matters.
Also Read:ElevenLabs CEO Says AI Audio Models Will Be ‘Commoditized’ Over Time
