Controversy Erupts Over AI-Generated Voice of Alain Dorval in Sylvester Stallone’s Film
Published on 1/15/2025 | 4 min read
Published on 1/15/2025 | 4 min read
The family of the late Alain Dorval, the renowned French voice actor who dubbed Sylvester Stallone's iconic roles for decades, has expressed outrage over the use of an AI-generated imitation of his voice in the upcoming film Armor. The movie, set to premiere on Amazon France, has become the center of controversy as Dorval’s family accuses the filmmakers of breaching a prior agreement and using his voice without proper authorization.
Alain Dorval’s daughter, Aurore Bergé, currently France's Minister for Gender Equality, publicly criticized the AI-generated voice for its poor quality, stating that it lacked the authenticity and depth her father brought to Stallone’s characters. She argued that the imitation tarnished her father’s legacy.
Bergé also alleged that the distributors violated a strict agreement requiring her final approval before the AI-generated voice could be used. "I never authorized the official use of this imitation," she asserted, directly contradicting the distributors’ earlier claims that the family had approved the decision.
This incident has reignited a broader debate about the ethical implications of AI voice cloning in entertainment, raising critical questions about intellectual property, consent, and the role of artificial intelligence in creative industries.
The use of AI-generated voices in media has been a contentious issue for years. While the technology enables highly accurate recreations of voices, it also poses significant ethical challenges.
In the case of Armor, the unauthorized use of Dorval's AI-cloned voice highlights how such technology can be misused. Critics warn that this could set a dangerous precedent in the entertainment industry, where the voices of deceased artists may be exploited without proper consent or regard for their legacies.
Similar controversies have arisen in other projects. For example, an AI-generated version of Michael Parkinson’s voice in a recent podcast faced backlash for lacking the charm and nuance of his original tone. Discussions around using AI to replicate the voices of beloved characters from franchises like Wallace & Gromit have also sparked heated debates.
The controversy surrounding Armor underscores the growing reliance on AI technologies in filmmaking and media production. While AI-generated voices can save time and reduce costs, they also raise questions about authenticity and respect for the contributions of original performers.
Experts caution that unchecked use of AI in creative industries could lead to widespread misuse, eroding trust between audiences and creators. They emphasize the need for stringent regulations and ethical guidelines to ensure AI technologies are deployed responsibly.
Advocates for ethical AI deployment argue that this controversy highlights the urgent need for industry-wide policies to govern the use of AI-generated content. Transparent agreements, consent from artists or their families, and quality standards are among the proposed measures to address these challenges.
Aurore Bergé’s stance reflects the importance of protecting the legacies of iconic artists. "AI must not become a tool for undermining the hard work and talent of those who brought characters to life," she remarked.
The European Union has already introduced the AI Act, which categorizes AI systems based on their risk levels and imposes regulations on high-risk applications. Such frameworks could play a crucial role in preventing similar controversies in the future.
As technology continues to evolve, the entertainment industry stands at a crossroads. Striking a balance between leveraging AI’s potential and preserving artistic integrity will be critical to navigating these challenges.
For now, the family of Alain Dorval remains firm in their opposition to the AI-generated imitation of his voice, calling for accountability and respect for the late actor’s legacy. This incident serves as a wake-up call for filmmakers, urging them to reconsider the ethical implications of AI-driven innovations.
As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear: the future of AI in entertainment depends on responsible and transparent practices.