AI actor Tilly Norwood stirs outrage in Hollywood

Published: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 6:14 am

AI Actor Tilly Norwood Sparks Controversy in Hollywood

Hollywood is abuzz with the emergence of Tilly Norwood, billed as the first AI actor, created by the company Xicoia. The digital character, promoted by Dutch producer Eline Van der Velden, has ignited a firestorm of controversy within the film industry.

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and other industry professionals have voiced strong opposition to Norwood's existence. They argue that creativity should remain human-centered and that AI characters lack the life experience and emotional depth necessary for authentic performance. The SAG emphasized that Norwood is not an actor but a character generated by a computer program trained on the work of human performers without their consent or compensation.

The announcement of Norwood's potential representation by a talent agency has further fueled the backlash. Actors like Melissa Barrera and Natasha Lyonne have publicly condemned the move, with Lyonne directing a film that pledges to use ethical AI.

Van der Velden, speaking at the Zurich Summit, stated that talent agencies were interested in Norwood. She responded to the criticism by asserting that Norwood is not a replacement for human actors but a creative work of art. She argued that AI characters should be judged as their own genre, emphasizing the skill and craftsmanship involved in creating the character. Norwood's Instagram account, which boasts over 33,000 followers, features posts depicting the character engaging in everyday activities and preparing for projects.

The controversy surrounding Norwood comes amid ongoing debates about the use of AI in film production. AI was a significant point of contention during the recent SAG-AFTRA strike, which resulted in safeguards to protect actors' likenesses and performances. Similar concerns have been raised in the video game industry, where actors secured contracts mandating written permission for digital replicas. The use of AI in the Oscar-winning film *The Brutalist* also sparked debate.

BNN's Perspective:

The debate over AI actors highlights the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. While AI offers new creative possibilities, it's crucial to balance innovation with ethical considerations and the protection of human artists. A measured approach is needed, one that embraces technological advancements while ensuring fair compensation and respect for the creative contributions of human actors.

Keywords: AI actor, Tilly Norwood, Hollywood, Xicoia, Eline Van der Velden, Screen Actors Guild, SAG, AI in film, artificial intelligence, acting, digital character, controversy, ethics, film industry, talent agency, actors, video game actors, The Brutalist, creative work, human-centered, innovation, compensation, digital replica, safeguards, performance, Instagram, Zurich Summit, ethical AI, Uncanny Valley, Melissa Barrera, Natasha Lyonne

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