Hollywood Divided as First AI Actress Tilly Norwood Sparks Heated Debate

Hollywood is buzzing with controversy after the debut of Tilly Norwood, a computer-generated actress presented at the Zurich Film Festival.

The project was introduced by Dutch actor, comedian, and producer Eline Van der Velden, who described Tilly as the world’s first AI actress. Tilly is the flagship talent of Xicoia, a newly launched AI studio spun out of Particle6, Eline’s earlier production company.

Within hours of her unveiling, Tilly became a trending topic, drawing both curiosity and outrage. Some Hollywood insiders hailed the innovation, while many actors condemned it as a threat to human jobs and creativity.

Eline, however, insists her creation is not designed to replace actors. “Tilly is a piece of art, not a substitute for human craft,” she explained. “AI is just another paintbrush, like animation or CGI. She is a character, a creative expression.”

But her words have done little to calm fears. Critics argue that beyond job losses, the use of AI risks exploiting real people’s work without consent. Actress Mara Wilson, famous for roles in Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, accused AI creators of stealing from countless professionals. 

“You did not create this. Real workers made the foundation for your AI, and you’re passing it off as your own,” she fired back.

Emily Blunt also voiced unease. When shown Tilly’s image during an interview, the star was visibly shaken. “Good Lord, that’s terrifying. We’re screwed. Agencies, please don’t do this. Stop taking away our human connection,” she pleaded.

Despite the backlash, reports suggest some talent agencies are already considering signing Tilly as if she were a real actress. Her Instagram profile, curated in the style of a Gen Z influencer, has drawn thousands of views alongside a storm of angry comments from Hollywood figures.

Industry observers note that studios are not backing away from AI experiments anytime soon. With rising pressure from actors’ unions and filmmakers, discussions are underway on how to regulate the use of AI in movies, series, and adverts.

Meanwhile, tech companies are attempting to ease concerns. OpenAI recently announced plans to block AI-generated videos that mimic living artists, protect the rights of public figures, and give individuals the option to opt out of having their likeness copied by AI.

Still, for many in Hollywood, the question remains: is Tilly Norwood a glimpse of the future of film or the beginning of the end for human actors?