The use of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry has sparked another debate, this time involving the late Alain Dorval, the French voice of Sylvester Stallone. The announcement that his voice was cloned using AI for the film Armor has drawn criticism from his daughter, Aurore Bergé, who is also France’s Minister for Sexual Equality.
Alain Dorval: A Legacy in French Cinema
For decades, Alain Dorval brought Sylvester Stallone’s iconic characters, such as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, to life for French audiences. His deep, commanding baritone became synonymous with Stallone’s on-screen presence in France, making him a beloved figure in the dubbing industry. Following Dorval’s passing in February 2024, his legacy has continued to influence French cinema.
ElevenLabs and the AI Voice Cloning Controversy
The Announcement and Backlash
On January 10, 2025, UK-based AI startup ElevenLabs announced via social media that they had successfully recreated Dorval’s voice using AI. The voice clone was intended for use in the French dub of Armor, an action thriller starring Sylvester Stallone. The announcement, however, was met with immediate backlash.
Aurore Bergé responded publicly, stating that the project had violated agreements made with her and her mother. She wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“I agreed to a trial. Just a trial. An agreement strictly guaranteeing that my mother and I would be in final validation before any use/publication. And that nothing could be done without our agreement. I discover… on X that this commitment is not respected. I never approved such a broadcast. And my father would never have approved it as it was.”
ElevenLabs Defends the Project
A Tribute to Dorval’s Work
In a statement released on January 13, ElevenLabs described the project as a tribute to Dorval’s decades-long career as the voice of Stallone. They emphasized their collaboration with Dorval’s family and the safeguards in place to ensure their approval:
“The family retains full control and will decide if and how this AI dub is used.”
The company added that if the AI-generated voice does not meet the required standards, the French release of Armor will feature traditional dubbing by a different actor.
AI in Entertainment: The Bigger Picture
The controversy surrounding Dorval’s AI voice reflects broader concerns about the role of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. AI has been used to de-age actors, analyze viewer behaviors, and even bring deceased performers back to life digitally. However, these advancements also raise ethical questions about consent and creative integrity.
Ethical Concerns in AI Voice Cloning
The case of Alain Dorval’s AI voice has reignited a larger debate about the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence to recreate a deceased artist’s work. Critics argue that while AI can preserve and honor an artist’s legacy, it must be done with the utmost respect for their wishes and those of their families.
Consent and Legacy: Who Decides?
Aurore Bergé’s criticism highlights a crucial issue: consent. While ElevenLabs claims to have worked in collaboration with Dorval’s family, Bergé’s public statements suggest otherwise. Her comments emphasize the importance of obtaining explicit approval and adhering to agreed-upon terms when using AI to reproduce an individual’s work posthumously.
For many, the idea of an AI-generated performance raises questions about the authenticity of the tribute. Does it honor the artist, or does it commodify their talent without their input? These concerns are particularly poignant when dealing with iconic figures like Alain Dorval, whose voice was central to his identity as a performer.
The Role of AI in Modern Filmmaking
Bridging Tradition and Technology
ElevenLabs has positioned its work on Dorval’s voice as an example of how AI can support storytelling while preserving tradition. In their statement, the company explained that the AI-generated voice was a way to continue Dorval’s impact on French cinema and maintain the connection audiences have with Stallone’s characters.
This is not the first instance of AI being used to recreate a voice for a movie. Similar technology has been employed to restore or emulate performances by deceased actors, sparking both praise for the innovation and criticism over the ethical implications.
Balancing Creativity and Respect
AI technology offers exciting opportunities for filmmakers and audiences alike. It can recreate historical performances, revive lost works, and even offer cost-effective solutions for small productions. However, its use requires careful consideration to ensure it doesn’t overstep moral or legal boundaries. The entertainment industry now faces the challenge of balancing technological advancement with ethical responsibility.
The Future of AI in Entertainment
The controversy surrounding Armor serves as a reminder of the growing influence of artificial intelligence in entertainment. Over the past decade, AI has been used to:
- De-age actors in blockbuster films
- Analyze viewer behavior to improve streaming algorithms
- Create realistic voiceovers and digital doubles of actors
As AI becomes more integrated into filmmaking, it’s crucial to establish clear guidelines and practices that prioritize consent and artistic integrity. This is especially important when dealing with deceased performers, whose contributions deserve to be celebrated, not exploited.
Armor and the Road Ahead
Set for release on Amazon France in March 2025, Armor will serve as a test case for the responsible use of AI in voice dubbing. While ElevenLabs maintains that the project is a tribute to Alain Dorval’s legacy, the backlash from his daughter has cast a shadow over the film’s French release.
The outcome of this situation will likely influence how AI is used in similar projects going forward. It underscores the importance of transparency, communication, and ethical considerations when introducing innovative technologies into traditional industries.
