“How gross”: Just what is it about ‘actor’ Tilly Norwood that sparked this major Hollywood backlash?

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An AI ‘actor’ named Tilly Norwood has caused significant controversy in Hollywood. It came to light that several talent agencies were interested in Norwood, who is the first performer created entirely through digital generation by the AI talent studio Xicoia.

Recently, there’s been a lot of negativity surrounding content created by AI. Several Hollywood actors have now publicly shared their concerns, expressing opposition to using this new technology.

Last week, Deadline shared that Xicoia is discussing potential representation with several talent agencies. They are keen to sign Tilly Norwood, the company’s first AI actor.

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During a panel discussion at the Zurich Summit, Xicoia founder Eline Van der Velden mentioned that several well-known projects are expected to implement the technology soon.

After the announcement, several celebrities, including Scream actor Melissa Barrera, publicly criticized the technology. They encouraged people to stop supporting any agencies that promote these highly realistic digital stars.

Barrera posted on her Instagram story, saying she hopes any actors represented by the agent involved will end their relationship with them. She added, “How gross, read the room.”

Lukas Gage jokingly said, “She couldn’t hit her mark and she was late!” while Toni Colette responded with a series of screaming emojis.

Matilda actress Mara Wilson questioned, “But what about all the real young women whose faces were combined to create the character? Why weren’t any of them considered for the role?”

Explaining the launch of Tilly Norwood as a “new tool“, Van der Velden posted on Instagram that the digital personality isn’t meant to “replace a real person“.

I’ve seen some people upset about me creating my AI character, Tilly Norwood, and I wanted to explain my thinking. She’s not meant to *replace* a real person at all. I see her as a creative project – a piece of art, really. And honestly, the fact that she’s getting people talking? That shows me how powerful creativity can be. As Van der Velden wrote, that conversation *is* the point.

She went on to say: “I don’t view AI as something that will replace actors or other creatives. Instead, I see it as a new tool – like a new paintbrush. Think about animation, puppetry, or CGI – these technologies created new opportunities without diminishing the importance of live acting. Similarly, AI provides another way to develop and create stories. As an actor, I believe that nothing – and definitely not an AI character – can ever diminish the skill or pleasure of human performance.”

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2025-09-30 14:19