Matthew McConaughey, Michael Caine sell their voices to AI podcast company

Looks like AI is doing well, well, well for actor Matthew McConaughey…and a slew of other celebrities too.

According to a new report from VarietyMatthew McConaughey has teamed up with AI audio company ElevenLabs for a new project, a Spanish-language audio version of his newsletter “Lyrics of Livin’,” and the actor doesn’t even need to know Spanish to do it. McConaughey’s voice will be cloned and the audio will be created using ElevenLabs technology.

In addition to this new collaboration, McConaughey, who reportedly previously worked with ElevenLabs, is now a investor in the company as well.

“Since our first conversation, I’ve been impressed by how the ElevenLabs team has harnessed the magic of core technology and turned it into products that creators, businesses, and storytellers use every day,” McConaughey said in a statement. “I started my newsletter, “Lyrics of Livin,” to share stories and ideas in my own voice with those who want to listen. Today, thanks to ElevenLabs, “Lyrics of Livin” is enriched with a Spanish edition, allowing us to reach and connect with even more people.

ElevenLabs launches Iconic Voice Marketplace

McConaughey isn’t the only celebrity to partner with ElevenLabs, either. ElevenLabs too announcement the launch of its new Iconic Voice Marketplace, which will allow third parties to request permission to use the AI-cloned voices of a list of famous actors, music artists and sports stars.

Acting legend Michael Caine has announced that he will clone his voice for the company’s Iconic Voice Marketplace. ElevenLab also shared a list of other voices (living and dead) available on its Iconic Voice Marketplace, including Judy Garland, John Wayne, Liza Minnelli, Laurence Olivier, Maya Angelou and Babe Ruth. The market also includes historical figures such as Thomas Edison and Mark Twain. According to ElevenLabs, 28 celebrity voices are currently available on the market. (Note: Matthew McConaughey is not part of the Iconic Voice Marketplace.)

Hollywood, SAG and other actors and artist representatives have struggle on how to deal with the growing threat of AI in recent years. Studios looking to cut costs continue to push for AI, while artists and their fans criticize its use in the arts. Recently, Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, denounced using AI to create representations of his father online without any consent.

ElevenLabs has clearly been paying attention to its Iconic Voice Marketplace, highlighting how it requires artists or their families to fully consent to any AI use of the celebrity’s likeness.

However, the fact that legends like Michael Caine are taking part in this shows that some actors may feel like this is how the industry is changing, whether they like it or not, and that adapting is the best way to maintain some control over their voice.