AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Sparks Controversy in Hollywood

Zurich, Switzerland — The debut of an AI-generated actress named Tilly Norwood at the Zurich Film Festival has prompted significant backlash from human actors. Created by the AI talent studio Xicoia, Norwood is being heralded by some as the next Scarlett Johansson while eliciting scorn from others in the entertainment industry.

Despite her striking appearance, which resembles a blend of Gal Gadot and Ana de Armas, Tilly Norwood is not a real person. During the festival, Norwood was pitched as a groundbreaking talent, with whispers of studios eager to work with her and talent agencies considering representation.

The introduction of a digital actress has not come without controversy. Actors like Melissa Barrera and Mara Wilson expressed their dismay on social media. Barrera stated, “Hope all actors repped by the agent that does this, drop their a$$,” highlighting concerns over the potential impact of AI on human employment in the industry.

Norwood, who has only appeared in a single AI-generated sketch titled “AI Commissioner,” has sparked debate about the future of acting. “I may be AI generated, but I’m feeling very real emotions right now,” she remarked on Facebook following her debut, showcasing a blend of optimism and eerie detachment.

Critics argue that AI actors could undermine the art of acting, which relies on the depth and nuance of human performance. Actor Ralph Ineson bluntly reacted on social media, stating, “Fuck off,” in response to discussions about the technology.

As the conversation about AI in Hollywood continues, the creator of Tilly, Eline Van der Velden, defended the project, claiming that AI should not be viewed as a replacement for human actors, but rather as a new form of artistic expression. “Creating Tilly has been an act of imagination and craftsmanship,” she stated at the festival.

Despite the backlash, some industry insiders believe that AI characters like Norwood could be here to stay, raising questions about the evolving landscape of entertainment in the digital age. Whether audiences will embrace this new form of talent remains uncertain.

The developments surrounding Tilly Norwood indicate that the debate over AI’s role in Hollywood is just beginning, with reactions from both fans and professionals likely to shape the future trajectory of the industry.