Tilly Norwood, an AI “actress” capable of fighting monsters, escaping explosions, and displaying emotions like crying, has sparked controversy in Hollywood. Created by the European company Particle6, Norwood’s debut has drawn criticism from real Hollywood actors and the American union representing them. Eline Van der Velden, CEO of Particle6, revealed that multiple entertainment companies showed interest in signing deals with the AI creation, leading to backlash from actors.
Scream actor Melissa Barrera expressed her disapproval in an Instagram post, calling for actors represented by the involved agent to sever ties. Other actors, including Toni Collette and Whoopi Goldberg, echoed similar sentiments regarding the use of AI in entertainment. The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) emphasized that Norwood, being a computer-generated character, lacks the human experience and emotional depth essential for engaging audiences.
Despite the pushback, Van der Velden clarified that Norwood was not meant to replace human actors but to serve as a new storytelling tool. Norwood, the first creation from Xicoia, an AI talent studio launched by Van der Velden in collaboration with Particle6, appeared in a comedic video called “AI Commissioner.” While some viewers expressed skepticism about AI’s role in entertainment, others within the industry have started embracing the concept.
The increasing integration of AI into filmmaking processes is evident, with applications ranging from de-aging actors to enhancing visual effects. OpenAI, known for ChatGPT, is actively involved in AI film projects, and notable figures like James Cameron have shown interest in AI technologies. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has even permitted the use of AI in award‐qualifying films, exemplified by movies like “Emilia Perez” and “The Brutalist,” which garnered critical acclaim despite controversies surrounding AI’s influence on character voices.