AI-generated actor Tilly Norwood has become a controversial figure in Hollywood, stirring significant backlash from actors, guilds, and filmmakers. Created by Dutch producer Eline Van der Velden and her AI talent studio Xicoia, Norwood is being promoted as the next Scarlett Johansson, with multiple talent agencies reportedly interested in representing the digital performer.
Hollywood’s Backlash Against AI Actors
The introduction of an AI-generated actor like Tilly Norwood challenges traditional notions of creativity and authenticity in the entertainment industry. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) issued a strong statement emphasizing that “creativity is, and should remain, human-centered.” SAG highlighted that Norwood is not a genuine actor but a computer-generated character trained on the work of countless real performers without their permission or compensation.
Industry voices argue that AI lacks the emotional depth and lived experience that human actors bring to their roles. Actor Sean Astin noted that human authenticity stems from real emotions and life events — elements AI can only simulate but never truly possess. This fundamental difference fuels concerns that audiences may reject performances disconnected from the human experience.
The Future of AI in Acting and Industry Ethics
Despite the excitement around technological innovation, many Hollywood professionals see AI actors as a threat to jobs and creative integrity. The enthusiasm from Van der Velden and her team contrasts sharply with the unease among actors worried about their craft’s future.
As AI-generated talent like Tilly Norwood gain visibility, the entertainment industry faces urgent questions about ethics, compensation, and the definition of performance art. The debate highlights the tension between embracing new technology and preserving the human elements central to storytelling.