Oscar winners Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey have announced partnerships with ElevenLabs, a New York-based artificial intelligence company specializing in realistic voice synthesis. The collaboration allows the firm to digitally recreate the actors’ voices using its AI technology, marking a new stage in the intersection of entertainment and artificial intelligence.

AI Collaboration with a Human Touch

In a written statement, Caine, 92, said ElevenLabs is “using innovation not to replace humanity, but to celebrate it.” He emphasized that the technology is designed to enhance creative possibilities, not displace human artistry. “It’s not about replacing voices; it’s about amplifying them, opening doors for new storytellers everywhere,” he said.

McConaughey also confirmed his involvement as both a collaborator and investor, saying he has worked with the company for several years. He described the partnership as an opportunity to extend his storytelling across languages, noting that the AI system will soon allow him to voice his newsletter in Spanish.

Financial details of the agreements were not disclosed.

Expanding AI in Media and Entertainment

Founded in 2022, ElevenLabs quickly gained prominence for its multilingual voice cloning and AI dubbing tools used in films, audiobooks, and video games. The company’s technology allows digital voices to retain the speaker’s tone and emotional nuances while being translated into multiple languages — a capability increasingly valuable to global content creators.

The firm’s rise coincides with a growing interest in AI-assisted media production, from automated script narration to realistic dubbing for streaming platforms. Advocates say these tools can expand creative access and lower production costs, though critics warn of potential misuse in political or commercial manipulation.

Controversy and Safeguards

Despite its innovation, ElevenLabs has faced scrutiny over the misuse of AI-generated voices. The company reported in early 2023 that it was seeing an “increasing number of voice cloning misuse cases,” prompting it to restrict certain features to paid users and strengthen identity verification measures.

Concerns escalated in early 2024 when a consultant used ElevenLabs’ software to imitate President Joe Biden’s voice in a robocall sent to voters in New Hampshire. The company condemned the incident and pledged to improve safeguards against unauthorized use of its tools.

ElevenLabs now says it employs additional verification layers to prevent cloning of celebrity or public figures’ voices without consent. “We are committed to ensuring this technology is used responsibly,” the firm stated in a recent press release.

Ethical AI and the Future of Voice Technology

Caine and McConaughey’s endorsements are seen by analysts as part of a broader effort to legitimize AI voice cloning within ethical and creative boundaries. Their involvement underscores a shifting narrative in Hollywood, where performers and studios increasingly explore AI as a complement to — rather than a replacement for — human performance.

Industry experts suggest such collaborations may pave the way for regulated, consent-based applications of voice cloning, including education, accessibility, and global media production.

As Caine put it, “If technology can help storytellers reach new audiences without losing authenticity, then that’s progress worth celebrating.”

Source: AP News – Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey partner with ElevenLabs for AI voice cloning

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