Lumiere Ventures and ElevenLabs Utilize AI to Honor Alain Dorval in New Stallone Film

AI Technology Revives Alain Dorval’s Iconic Voice

Lumiere Ventures and ElevenLabs are joining forces to pay tribute to Alain Dorval, the renowned French voice of Sylvester Stallone, by utilizing AI technology to recreate his legendary baritone. This collaboration comes after Dorval’s passing in February, aiming to preserve his distinctive voice for Stallone’s forthcoming action thriller, Armored, which is set to premiere on Amazon France in March 2025.

Preserving a Legacy

Alain Dorval provided the French voice for iconic characters like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, forging a deep connection with French audiences over nearly five decades. Following his death, Lumiere Ventures faced the challenge of maintaining this connection for the French release of Armored. While a new actor completed the dubbing, the partnership with ElevenLabs offers a unique solution by potentially recreating Dorval’s voice through AI.

In collaboration with Dorval’s family, ElevenLabs is working on transforming existing recordings to capture the essence of Dorval’s voice. The project is ongoing, with the family retaining full control over the final decision on whether to use the AI-generated dub or stick with traditional dubbing if the quality does not meet expectations.

Innovation in Film Production

This initiative marks the first time ElevenLabs’ technology is being applied in a major film production. The company emphasizes that AI is not meant to replace human creativity but to enhance it by preserving the artistry and emotional depth that resonate with audiences. Mati Staniszewski, CEO of ElevenLabs, stated, “AI doesn’t replace the magic of human creativity—it opens new doors for it.”

The partnership with Lumiere Ventures aims to make Hollywood films more accessible to international audiences by offering AI-enhanced dubbing that maintains cultural connections and quality. This approach aligns with the growing demand for localized content in diverse regions and languages.

A Broader Impact on Foreign-Language Cinema

Lumiere Ventures, known for bringing high-profile Hollywood content to global markets, views Armored as an opportunity to showcase innovative methods in foreign-language cinema. The use of AI dubbing allows for a more authentic viewing experience, ensuring that the emotional and cultural nuances are preserved for native audiences.

As the film industry continues to explore technological advancements, the collaboration between Lumiere Ventures and ElevenLabs highlights the potential of AI to honor tradition while pushing the boundaries of storytelling. This project not only serves as a tribute to Alain Dorval’s legacy but also sets a precedent for future film productions seeking to balance innovation with cultural integrity.

For more information, visit the [ElevenLabs](https://elevenlabs.io/blog/lumiere-ventures-and-elevenlabs-collaborate-on-sylvester-stallones-new-film) website.

Image source: Shutterstock