In a since-deleted post on X published January 10, UK-based AI startup ElevenLabs said it had recreated the voice of Alain Dorval, who died in February last year. This sparked criticism from his daughter, Aurore Bergé, who is France’s minister for sexual equality.
“I agreed to a trial. Only a trial,” she commented on the company’s post, claiming that the company was not meant to use or publish Dorval’s cloned voice without the prior approval of her and her mother.
“I never approved this publication,” she wrote. “And my father would never have approved it as it is.”
ElevenLabs confirmed plans to recreate Dorval’s voice in a statement published Monday.
“For nearly five decades, Dorval’s baritone brought Stallone’s iconic characters – like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo – to life for French audiences,” it said. “Following his passing in February, plans are underway to recreate Dorval’s voice using our AI technology.”
The statement says the company is working with Dorval’s family to preserve his voice.
“We’ve agreed that if the quality bar isn’t met, the film will be released with traditional dubbing – the family retains full control and will decide if and how this AI dub is used,” ElevenLabs said.
“This marks the first time our technology is being used in a major motion picture. For us, it’s about showing how AI can support storytelling by respecting artistry and tradition,” the company added.
“Recreating Dorval’s voice is a way to preserve what’s meaningful to audiences while creating new opportunities in film.”
CNN has contacted ElevenLabs and Bergé for comment.
“Armor” was released in the United States in November and is set for release on Amazon France in March. Stallone plays an armored truck driver tasked with delivering a suspicious package.
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