ElevenLabs has secured rights to Stan Lee's voice and image for AI use, launching new initiatives to engage fans and businesses.
AI Technology Brings Stan Lee Back to Life
ElevenLabs has made headlines by acquiring the rights to the late Stan Lee's voice and likeness for use in AI-generated content. This partnership with Stan Lee Universe allows the company to integrate Lee's iconic persona into its ElevenCreative platform.
Announcing the collaboration on X, ElevenLabs expressed excitement over making Lee's voice available on its Iconic Marketplace and ElevenReader. The company claims that the AI-generated voice captures Lee's humor and charm, offering fans a nostalgic experience.
As part of this initiative, ElevenLabs is launching a “Stan Lee Book of the Month Club” within its app, and will also provide music filters and visual templates inspired by the legendary comic creator. This move not only engages fans but also opens up new opportunities for businesses to license AI-generated versions of his voice.
“The voice of a legend is now accessible on the Iconic Marketplace and in ElevenReader,” said ElevenLabs in their announcement.
This agreement follows similar deals with other celebrities, including Matthew McConaughey, who worked with ElevenLabs to produce a Spanish-language version of his newsletter, and Michael Caine, who licensed his voice for the platform.
Founded in 2023, ElevenLabs has quickly expanded its capabilities to include image and video, creating AI replicas of notable figures like Judy Garland and John Wayne. The use of AI to bring back the likenesses of famous personalities has garnered attention, with previous examples like an AI-driven avatar of Stan Lee that interacted with fans at the Los Angeles Comic Con last year, aimed at preserving his storytelling legacy.
However, the rise of AI-generated celebrity likenesses raises concerns within the entertainment industry. While some see potential for profit through these licensing deals, others warn about the implications for job security and the safeguarding of creative professionals' rights.
