Michael Caine Announces He's Narrating The Odyssey — But Not the Christopher Nolan Movie, And Also His Voice is Actually AI
At 93 years old, Michael Caine has revealed he will narrate a new version of The Odyssey, brought to life by an AI company that has officially licensed and replicated his voice. This version of Caine's voice is part of ElevenLabs' first "cinematic multicast audiobook," as stated in a press release. The project combines a reproduction of Caine's iconic British tones with a full cast performance, original music, and immersive sound design — all likely generated through AI technology.
It's important to clarify that this version of The Odyssey has nothing to do with Christopher Nolan's upcoming film of the same name, which stars Matt Damon and Tom Holland. This film is set to arrive in theaters on July 19. Caine, who has appeared in several of Nolan’s films, officially retired from acting three years ago when he turned 90.
In a statement, Caine expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “The Odyssey is one of the greatest stories ever told. By bridging classical storytelling with digital innovation, this epic is reimagined for modern audiences through ElevenReader. It was a pleasure to be a part of this retelling.”
ElevenLabs made headlines last year when it acquired the rights to Caine’s voice, adding it to its growing collection of voices from both living and deceased celebrities. This collection includes names like Judy Garland, David Hasselhoff, Albert Einstein, and Matthew McConaughey, who has also made a financial investment in the company.
Earlier this month, ElevenLabs announced another major acquisition: the voice and image of the late Stan Lee, the legendary Marvel Comics figure. The company stated it now holds commercial rights to Lee’s likeness and voice, allowing for potential future uses in films, commercials, and audiobooks, including a “Stan Lee Book Club of the Month.”
Caine’s AI-powered version of The Odyssey is now available for purchase. Meanwhile, the Christopher Nolan film of the same name is set for a theatrical release on July 19.
Image credit: Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival.
