As AI voice generation continues to advance, the voice acting profession is already feeling its impact, bringing both new opportunities and new challenges to the industry.

Shen Lei, a First-Class Actor at the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre and voice actor, best known for voicing Li Xiaoyao in Chinese Paladin and Bai Zihua in The Journey of Flower, believes AI is already capable of producing high-quality voice performances, even outperforming many professional voice actors.

But he says that AI is ultimately a tool. It cannot replace human creativity, aesthetic judgment and the ability to bring characters to life.

Shen also says he is open to licensing his voice for AI training, believing that competition with AI may push him to keep learning and further refine his craft.