ElevenLabs Releases AI-Generated ‘Odyssey’ Audiobook Featuring Michael Caine’s Digital Voice

ElevenLabs released a 13-hour AI-generated audiobook of Homer’s *Odyssey* on its ElevenReader app. The narration uses a digital clone of Michael Caine’s voice, a cast of 20 AI-generated characters, AI-crafted sound effects and music, and is free ahead of Christopher Nolan’s July 2026 film.

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In November 2025, Michael Caine authorized ElevenLabs to clone his voice and likeness via the Iconic Marketplace, joining licenses by Matthew McConaughey and posthumous deals for John Wayne, Judy Garland and others that permit commercial use with consent and compensation.

Hollywood Reporter

Four producers completed the audiobook in six weeks during early 2026, a timeline ElevenLabs says is far shorter than conventional casting and recording. The script uses William Cullen Bryant’s 1870s public-domain translation rather than the Emily Wilson version used for Nolan’s screenplay.

The Wrap

The audiobook runs about 13 hours, features 20 AI voices, and includes AI-generated orchestral music and sound design. ElevenLabs says voice-artist fees are calculated per alphabet letter spoken, totaling roughly 22 million payments across the project.

Express Tribune

ElevenLabs argues AI can shrink production cycles and lower costs, expanding access to classic works. Critics counter that automation may marginalize professional voice actors and reduce artistic nuance.

Express Tribune

Caine called the *Odyssey* “one of the greatest stories ever told… reimagined for modern audiences through cutting-edge technology.” Dustin Blank, ElevenLabs’ partnerships head, called the project “a strong retelling” and said the firm aims “to push the ball forward, not AI for AI’s sake.” Jack McDermott, mobile growth lead, framed the release as a showcase of AI’s creative potential tied to Nolan’s film hype. Sources differ on whether Caine heard the final product.

Deadline Hollywood

Observers note the AI-only workflow “minimises creative roles” and threatens voice-acting jobs. Some argue the AI narrator’s uniform tone lacks the expressive range of human performance, raising concerns about artistic quality.

Express Tribune

One source says Caine approved marketing but did not listen to the finished audiobook; another claims he did. The remuneration model for the reported 22 million payments is not fully explained, and the choice of Bryant’s translation lacked academic input.

Michael Caine’s Iconic Voice Returns Through AI for Epic ‘The Odyssey’ Audiobook

• “Tell me, O Muse, of that sagacious man who, having overthrown the sacred town of Ilium, wandered far and visited the capitals of many nations, learned the customs of their dwellers, and endured great suffering on the deep,” — *Odyssey* opening line, AI-Caine.

New York Times

• “Bravo to him for recognising this is where technology is going,” — Dustin Blank, ElevenLabs.

The Guardian

• “we’re not going to do AI just to do AI,” — Dustin Blank.

Variety Magazine

• “Audiences will decide, at the end of the day,” — Dustin Blank.

The Wrap

ElevenLabs plans AI audiobooks of *Dune 3*, *Pride & Prejudice* and other classics, and is exploring director collaborations for gender-flipped or unconventional casting. Future releases aim to balance innovation with creator consent and artistic integrity.

Express Tribune