As artificial intelligence continues to grow in the entertainment industry, a new conflict is brewing all over the globe, especially in Europe. Voice actors, who lend their voices to films and TV shows, are worried that AI-generated voices may take over their work.&nbsp;One such voice actor is Boris Rehlinger, the French voice behind Hollywood stars like Ben Affleck and Joaquin Phoenix. Rehlinger has joined a campaign called TouchePasMaVF, aimed at protecting human dubbing against artificial voices. Speaking to Reuters, he said, “I feel threatened even though my voice hasn’t been replaced by AI yet.”<h2>Why dubbing is so important in Europe</h2>Dubbing is a big industry in Europe, especially with global platforms like Netflix relying on it to bring non-English content to more viewers. Shows like Squid Game and Lupin reached wide audiences due to high-quality dubbing.&nbsp;According to GWI, 43 per cent of viewers in countries like France, Germany, Italy and the UK prefer dubbed content over subtitles. Research by Business Research Insights shows that the dubbing market could grow from $4.3 billion in 2025 to $7.6 billion by 2033.&nbsp;However the rise of AI voice technology could change this. AI-generated voices can reduce costs and speed up production, making them attractive to streaming platforms, voice actors argue that this shift risks lowering quality and removing creative jobs.&nbsp;<h2>Voice artists call for better laws</h2>Across Europe, voice actor associations are asking for stronger legal protections. In Germany, a petition launched by the VDS voice actors' association gathered over 75,000 signatures. They are asking the EU to ensure that AI companies cannot use actors’ voices without consent or compensation.&nbsp;Cedric Cavatore, a VDS member and game voice actor, warned: “When intellectual property is no longer protected, no one will create anymore because they fear it will just be stolen.”&nbsp;VDS is also working with United Voice Artists, a network of 20,000 artists globally, to push for fair rules around AI.&nbsp;<h2>Studios are already testing AI dubbing</h2>Some studios are already experimenting with AI in dubbing. Example, a German-dubbed version of Polish crime series "Murderesses" used AI-generated voices, but it was removed after viewers complained about the poor quality.&nbsp;Meanwhile, startups like DeepDub and Flawless AI are promoting hybrid models using both AI and human voices. According to Audio Innovation Lab’s CEO Stefan Sporn, AI could change the way films are dubbed, but he believes humans will still be needed to add emotion and cultural accuracy.&nbsp;Netflix, which has used generative AI for visual effects in series like El Eternauta, has also tested AI for matching lip movements with dubbed dialogue. But the company has not commented on how widely it will use the tech in dubbing.&nbsp;<h2>What comes next?</h2>AI is already reshaping many industries, and dubbing is no exception. While the AI technology promises efficiency, many actors and creatives fear it could lead to job losses and reduced quality. The future of voice work may lie in finding the right balance, where AI supports the process, but humans still lead the performance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As AI voices rise in films and TV, European voice actors fear losing jobs and quality. With dubbing vital for global platforms, the future of human voices is uncertain. What's really at stake? Read more below.

As artificial intelligence continues to grow in the entertainment industry, a new conflict is brewing all over the globe, especially in Europe. Voice actors, who lend their voices to films and TV shows, are worried that AI-generated voices may take over their work. One such voice actor is Boris Rehlinger, the French voice behind Hollywood stars like Ben Affleck and Joaquin Phoenix. Rehlinger has joined a campaign called TouchePasMaVF, aimed at protecting human dubbing against artificial voices. Speaking to Reuters, he said, “I feel threatened even though my voice hasn’t been replaced by AI yet.” Why dubbing is so important in Europe Dubbing is a big industry in Europe, especially with global platforms like Netflix relying on it to bring non-English content to more viewers. Shows like Squid Game and Lupin reached wide audiences due to high-quality dubbing. According to GWI, 43 per cent of viewers in countries like France, Germany, Italy and the UK prefer dubbed content over subtitles. Research by Business Research Insights shows that the dubbing market could grow from $4.3 billion in 2025 to $7.6 billion by 2033. However the rise of AI voice technology could change this. AI-generated voices can reduce costs and speed up production, making them attractive to streaming platforms, voice actors argue that this shift risks lowering quality and removing creative jobs. Voice artists call for better laws Across Europe, voice actor associations are asking for stronger legal protections. In Germany, a petition launched by the VDS voice actors' association gathered over 75,000 signatures. They are asking the EU to ensure that AI companies cannot use actors’ voices without consent or compensation. Cedric Cavatore, a VDS member and game voice actor, warned: “When intellectual property is no longer protected, no one will create anymore because they fear it will just be stolen.” VDS is also working with United Voice Artists, a network of 20,000 artists globally, to push for fair rules around AI. Studios are already testing AI dubbing Some studios are already experimenting with AI in dubbing. Example, a German-dubbed version of Polish crime series "Murderesses" used AI-generated voices, but it was removed after viewers complained about the poor quality. Meanwhile, startups like DeepDub and Flawless AI are promoting hybrid models using both AI and human voices. According to Audio Innovation Lab’s CEO Stefan Sporn, AI could change the way films are dubbed, but he believes humans will still be needed to add emotion and cultural accuracy. Netflix, which has used generative AI for visual effects in series like El Eternauta, has also tested AI for matching lip movements with dubbed dialogue. But the company has not commented on how widely it will use the tech in dubbing. What comes next? AI is already reshaping many industries, and dubbing is no exception. While the AI technology promises efficiency, many actors and creatives fear it could lead to job losses and reduced quality. The future of voice work may lie in finding the right balance, where AI supports the process, but humans still lead the performance.

As AI voices rise in films and TV, European voice actors fear losing jobs and quality. With dubbing vital for global platforms, the future of human voices is uncertain. What's really at stake? Read more below.

AI vs voice actors: Can artificial dubbing take over creative voice work?

Actor Kajol says she only gives her nod to a film if the script manages to hold her attention.

The 43-year-old actor, who was last seen in Dhanush's "VIP 2", said screen-time of a character is not important for her if it has "something amazing" to offer her as a performer.&nbsp;

"I love reading. It is my passion, hobby, and meditation. I believe a good script should be like one of those books that you read till 4 am and you know you have to get up at 7 am and go to work. It is a book that is unputdownable."And the character should be like that you build and make something amazing out of it. I don't think whether I am the main lead or have enough to do in the film or not, whether it's two scenes or half a scene to do, it should be of a kind that leaves a strong impact," Kajol said during a promotional event of "Incredibles 2".

The actor has voiced the character of Helen Parr aka Elastigirl in the Hindi-version of "Incredibles 2".

The 43-year-old actor said that even though she hates dubbing, the experience of voicing for the beloved superhero character was "exciting".

"I don't like dubbing for myself, it is the most painful and boring process. If you are dubbing for yourself then it is bad and if you are doing for somebody else then it is twice as worse. But at the end of it, I was like it was great fun. To dub for Elastigirl was very exciting," Kajol said.

The actor wished that she had some superpowers in real life so as to manage everything, from the "me time" to giving attention to her kids and family.

"What I like most about these films is they are giving out the right message but in a humorous way. It is an intelligent film and it is meant for everybody. There is no age limit to it."

"Incredibles 2", set to release on June 22, is the sequel to Disney-Pixar's 2004 animation blockbuster.

The actor has voiced the character of Helen Parr aka Elastigirl in the Hindi-version of 'Incredibles 2'

Actor Kajol says she only gives her nod to a film if the script manages to hold her attention. The 43-year-old actor, who was last seen in Dhanush's "VIP 2", said screen-time of a character is not important for her if it has "something amazing" to offer her as a performer. "I love reading. It is my passion, hobby, and meditation. I believe a good script should be like one of those books that you read till 4 am and you know you have to get up at 7 am and go to work. It is a book that is unputdownable."And the character should be like that you build and make something amazing out of it. I don't think whether I am the main lead or have enough to do in the film or not, whether it's two scenes or half a scene to do, it should be of a kind that leaves a strong impact," Kajol said during a promotional event of "Incredibles 2". The actor has voiced the character of Helen Parr aka Elastigirl in the Hindi-version of "Incredibles 2". The 43-year-old actor said that even though she hates dubbing, the experience of voicing for the beloved superhero character was "exciting". "I don't like dubbing for myself, it is the most painful and boring process. If you are dubbing for yourself then it is bad and if you are doing for somebody else then it is twice as worse. But at the end of it, I was like it was great fun. To dub for Elastigirl was very exciting," Kajol said. The actor wished that she had some superpowers in real life so as to manage everything, from the "me time" to giving attention to her kids and family. "What I like most about these films is they are giving out the right message but in a humorous way. It is an intelligent film and it is meant for everybody. There is no age limit to it." "Incredibles 2", set to release on June 22, is the sequel to Disney-Pixar's 2004 animation blockbuster.

A good script should be like an 'unputdownable' book: Kajol Devgn

dubbing

Dubbing, News on Dubbing, stories on Dubbing, articles on Dubbing, Dubbing stories at Wion, Dubbing news, Dubbing latest news