AI 'actor' Tilly Norwood provokes outrage from Hollywood's real actors and SAG-AFTRA

Published: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 2:56 pm

AI-Generated "Actor" Sparks Outrage in Hollywood

The entertainment industry is facing a new wave of controversy with the introduction of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated "actor" created by the studio Xicoia. The launch of Norwood has ignited a firestorm of criticism from real actors and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the union representing performers.

Xicoia, which unveiled Norwood at a recent film festival summit, aims to provide AI-generated talent for films, television, and social media marketing. The studio's founder, Eline Van der Velden, is reportedly in the process of securing representation for Norwood with a talent agency.

SAG-AFTRA swiftly condemned the project, denouncing the use of AI to replace human performers. The union emphasized that Norwood is not an actor but a character generated by a computer program trained on the work of professional performers without their consent or compensation. SAG-AFTRA argues that this practice threatens actors' livelihoods and devalues human artistry.

Several prominent actors, including Emily Blunt, Ralph Ineson, Melissa Barrera, and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, have voiced their concerns, expressing fear and disapproval of the technology. Blunt described the situation as "terrifying."

Van der Velden defended the project, comparing AI "actors" to creative tools like CGI imagery. However, public reaction has been largely negative, with many criticizing the project as exploitative.

The controversy comes as AI technology continues to advance, raising ethical and legal questions across various industries. Generative AI companies have faced lawsuits for using individuals' work without permission. The rise of AI in entertainment has prompted concerns about the potential displacement of human workers and the erosion of artistic integrity.

It remains uncertain whether Xicoia will introduce more AI "talent" or if any agencies will represent them, given the widespread opposition.

BNN's Perspective:

The emergence of AI actors presents a complex challenge. While technological advancements are inevitable, the entertainment industry must carefully consider the ethical implications of replacing human performers with AI. Striking a balance between innovation and protecting the livelihoods and artistic contributions of real actors is crucial.

Keywords: AI actor, Tilly Norwood, Xicoia, SAG-AFTRA, AI, actors, Hollywood, Emily Blunt, artificial intelligence, entertainment industry, synthetic performers, generative AI, talent agency, film, television, social media, ethics, copyright, royalties, human artistry, creative tools

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