Aurore Bergé Opposes AI-Generated Voice of Alain Dorval for Sylvester Stallone's Character in "Armor" Film.
Silvester Stallone with Alain Dorval
The controversy stems from the use of his voice without approval, raising concerns about the ethics of AI in voice replication.
On January 10, UK-based AI company ElevenLabs made an announcement claiming to have successfully replicated Dorval’s distinctive baritone voice for the film. The company revealed that the AI voice would be used in Armor, marking the first time their technology would be applied in a major motion picture. However, Aurore Bergé quickly criticized the decision, stating that she had never approved the use of her father's voice for the project.
J'ai donné mon accord pour un essai. Uniquement un essai.
Un accord me garantissant strictement que ma mère et moi même serions en validation finale avant toute utilisation/ publication. Et que rien ne pourrait se faire sans notre accord.
Je découvre... sur X que cet engagement…
— Aurore Bergé (@auroreberge) January 10, 2025
“I agreed to a trial. Only a trial,” she commented on the company’s post. “And my father would never have approved it as it is.” She added, “I never approved this publication,” expressing her concern over the unauthorized use of her late father’s voice.
Despite the controversy, ElevenLabs clarified that they were working with Dorval’s family to ensure the project met their approval. “We’ve agreed that if the quality bar isn’t met, the film will be released with traditional dubbing,” the company said. "The family retains full control and will decide if and how this AI dub is used."
ElevenLabs emphasized that their goal is to use AI technology to support storytelling while respecting artistry and tradition. “Recreating Dorval’s voice is a way to preserve what’s meaningful to audiences while creating new opportunities in film,” they stated.
Armor, which debuted in the U.S. in November, is set to release on Amazon France in March. The film stars Stallone as an armored truck driver tasked with delivering a mysterious package.
This development highlights the growing ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in the entertainment industry, especially when it comes to recreating the voices of deceased actors without their family's consent.
Alain Dorval, the iconic French voice actor known for dubbing Sylvester Stallone's roles, passed away in February 2024, leaving a profound impact on the world of French dubbing.
Dorval’s distinctive voice became synonymous with Stallone’s characters in legendary films like Rocky, Rambo, and The Expendables, making him a beloved figure among French-speaking audiences. His deep, powerful voice resonated with fans and transformed Stallone’s screen presence, solidifying Dorval's place as one of the most respected voice actors in France.
