Michael Caine, aged 93, lends his AI-generated voice to narrate a 13-hour audiobook version of Homer’s The Odyssey released June 23 by ElevenLabs [1, 2, 3]. The audiobook uses a licensed AI replication of Caine’s voice, created after ElevenLabs acquired his voice rights in 2025 [1].
The production incorporates full-cast performances, original music, and cinematic sound design to recreate the oral storytelling tradition of The Odyssey, long told aloud, said ElevenLabs [3]. Caine said, “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” [1].
ElevenLabs maintains a voice library including living and deceased celebrities such as Judy Garland, David Hasselhoff, Albert Einstein, Matthew McConaughey, and the late Stan Lee, whose commercial AI rights were acquired last May [1, 3]. The company pays voice performers every time their AI voice is used, emphasizing protection of creators’ rights [2, 3].
Caine retired from acting three years ago at age 90 and is not involved in the upcoming Christopher Nolan adaptation of The Odyssey [1, 3]. Nolan’s film, separate from the audiobook project, stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson and is scheduled to premiere July 19, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
The release of Caine’s AI-narrated audiobook comes amid rising controversy over AI voice technology in entertainment, with some actors worried about being replaced by AI voices [2, 3]. ElevenLabs underscores that its licensing respects and compensates original voice creators.
The audiobook is available in English and Chinese. Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation will debut in theaters July 19, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
