Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the way we create and consume media, and a new development in voice technology is making headlines in the tech and entertainment worlds. ElevenLabs, a cutting-edge AI audio technology company, has announced groundbreaking partnerships with acclaimed actors Matthew McConaughey and Sir Michael Caine to bring their voices to life through AI voice cloning.
This collaboration highlights both the innovative potential and the ethical challenges of AI-powered media. At a time when unauthorized voice cloning has sparked controversy across Hollywood, these partnerships provide a model for responsible licensing and preservation of iconic voices.
ElevenLabs’ AI Voice Cloning: A New Era in Audio Technology
On November 11, 2025, ElevenLabs revealed their new “Iconic Marketplace” at their inaugural Summit in San Francisco. This marketplace enables companies and creators to license AI-generated voices of renowned celebrities both living and deceased. Alongside McConaughey and Caine, whose voices will be authentically replicated for various projects, the marketplace houses digital voice clones of over 25 historical figures, including Maya Angelou, John Wayne, Judy Garland, and Alan Turing.
Sir Michael Caine, now 92, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “With ElevenLabs, we can preserve and share voices—not just mine, but anyone’s.” He emphasized the company’s mission, stating, “ElevenLabs is at the very forefront of technology, using innovation not to replace humanity, but to celebrate it.”
Matthew McConaughey, joining the company as both an investor and user, plans to leverage the technology in fresh ways. His Spanish-language version of the newsletter-podcast “Lyrics of Livin'” will be narrated using his AI-generated voice, allowing him to reach new audiences more efficiently. McConaughey stated, “Since our first conversation, I’ve been impressed by how the ElevenLabs team has taken the magic of the core technology and turned it into products that creators, enterprises, and storytellers use daily.”
ElevenLabs’ valuation approached $6.6 billion by September 2025, reflecting strong investor confidence in AI audio innovations. The partnerships with these high-profile actors demonstrate ElevenLabs’ commitment to ethical voice cloning and licensed usage amid widespread concerns.
Photo by SIMON LEE on Unsplash
Industry Concerns and Ethical Challenges
Despite the excitement around AI voice cloning’s creative opportunities, the technology raises significant concerns about consent and intellectual property. Unauthorized voice cloning has sparked considerable tension in Hollywood and beyond.
On the day of ElevenLabs’ announcement, legendary actor Morgan Freeman publicly voiced frustration over unauthorized AI reproductions of his voice. “I’m like any other actor: don’t mimic me with falseness,” Freeman said. “I don’t appreciate it, and I get paid for doing stuff like that, so if you’re gonna do it without me, you’re robbing me.” Freeman’s comments underline the widespread anxiety among voice actors about job security and proper remuneration in an era of synthetic speech.
Supporting these concerns, a 2025 survey by the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) found that nearly 15% of voice actors reported losing work to AI-generated voices. Tim Friedlander, NAVA’s president, remarked that “voice actors are kind of the canaries in the coal mine” for the broader entertainment industry’s challenges with AI technology.
Responsible Innovation: A Path Forward
ElevenLabs positions itself as a company dedicated to responsible AI innovation. The Iconic Marketplace is designed to ensure “ethical sourcing and licensing” of AI voices, preventing unauthorized usage and protecting performers’ rights. CEO Mati Staniszewski emphasized the company’s mission to “build tools that democratize the creative process, expand access to technology, and foster responsible innovation.”
While pricing details for voice licenses in the Iconic Marketplace are not publicly disclosed, ElevenLabs requires interested clients to reach out directly with project specifics. This approach allows the company to balance commercial interests with stringent ethical standards.
What This Means for Content Creators and Marketers
The advent of licensed AI voice cloning opens exciting possibilities for creators and marketers worldwide. Brands and media producers can now access authentic-sounding celebrity voices for commercials, podcasts, audiobooks, and more—without traditional logistical or financial barriers.
For Spanish-speaking markets in particular, McConaughey’s use of AI to create a Spanish-language version of his podcast points to the potential to localize content efficiently while retaining celebrity appeal. This new technology could accelerate global content expansion strategies and enhance audience engagement.
However, the ongoing concerns voiced by artists and industry professionals highlight the need for transparency, consent, and fair compensation in adopting AI voice cloning. Companies working in this space must prioritize ethical standards to avoid legal pitfalls and reputational damage.
Conclusion
The collaboration between ElevenLabs, Matthew McConaughey, and Michael Caine marks a milestone in AI voice technology—combining technological innovation with responsible use. While the industry grapples with challenges related to unauthorized cloning and job impact, licensed marketplaces like ElevenLabs’ offer a promising model for ethical AI media creation.
As AI voices become more prevalent across global markets, staying informed about developments and ethical considerations will be crucial for content creators, marketers, and consumers alike. ElevenLabs’ approach could very well set the standard for voice AI innovation in the years to come.
Featured image Photo by Marius Masalar on Unsplash