Matthew Lawrence, who played Chris Hillard alongside Robin Williams in the 1993 classic Mrs. Doubtfire, has stirred controversy with a surprising pitch: using artificial intelligence to resurrect the late actor’s voice. Speaking at Comic-Con, Lawrence said he would love to bring Williams’ voice back, with permission from the family, because he believes it's too iconic to remain silent.
“It would be so cool,” Lawrence said, adding that Williams’ voice belongs in modern AI systems or interactive projects. “He’s gotta be the voice of AI. He’s gotta be the voice in something.” Lawrence revealed the idea came to him after stumbling upon an old TV commercial featuring Williams doing a robotic-style voiceover, which felt eerily ahead of its time.
Fans have responded with mixed feelings. Some say the suggestion dishonours Williams’ legacy and reduces his memory to a tech gimmick. Others find it an intriguing tribute, noting Williams’ timeless voice brought comfort and humour to millions. Comments under news posts have expressed unease, with users calling it ‘weird,’ ‘too soon,’ and ‘morally slippery.’
Lawrence emphasised he would only pursue the project with full approval from Williams’ family. Still, the proposal has raised larger ethical questions about the posthumous use of AI, especially for celebrities who never gave consent.
Lawrence also shared emotional memories of Williams on the Mrs. Doubtfire set, revealing that Williams warned him as a child actor to avoid drugs. “Don’t ever do drugs. Especially cocaine,” Williams told him. That advice, Lawrence said, changed his life.
While the intentions may be nostalgic, the idea of digitally reviving Williams’ voice has clearly touched a cultural nerve, suggesting that even the most beloved icons aren't safe from AI's reach. Whether this tribute ever materialises remains to be seen.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ