Hollywood Stars Unite Against Controversial AI Actor Tilly Norwood

Sun Oct 12 2025 11:39:08 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Emily Blunt and other A-list celebrities voice their outrage over Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actor that is stirring controversy in the film industry.

Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated performer, has sparked significant backlash in Hollywood, leading to condemnation from major stars like Emily Blunt and Natasha Lyonne. The Screen Actors Guild has issued a statement expressing concern over the implications of AI actors on human performers and the integrity of the industry. While its creators pitch Norwood as a creative work rather than a human replacement, the Hollywood community remains skeptical about the future of acting in an era of artificial intelligence.

In a dramatic turn for Hollywood, the emergence of Tilly Norwood, an AI actor, has incited outrage among prominent performers. Created by Dutch actor Eline Van der Velden, Norwood's likeness and persona are gaining traction, as reports suggest it has begun conversations with talent agencies.

The AI creation markets itself on social media with a youthful charm, claiming, I may be AI, but I'm feeling very real emotions right now! Yet, this innovation has drawn fierce criticism from the industry, including from Oscar-nominated actress Emily Blunt, who described it as terrifying in a recent podcast. Blunt, alongside other stars like Natasha Lyonne and Whoopi Goldberg, publically condemned Norwood, asserting that it lacks the life experiences and emotional depth essential for authentic performance.

The Screen Actors Guild, in a press statement, underscored the potential threats posed by AI-generated performances, emphasizing that such entities lack life experience, emotion, and the audience's interest. The union echoed concerns that the utilization of AI actors undermines the value of human artistry and the livelihoods of genuine performers.

Although Norwood has been active on digital platforms, its notoriety surged following a recent summit in Zurich where Van der Velden presented her vision for the future of AI-powered productions. During the event, she signaled upcoming projects that could integrate AI talent, at a time when Hollywood remains sensitive to the inevitable debate surrounding AI in the creative sphere.

As AI continues to infiltrate various sectors, the Hollywood community is wary of its implications on the job market, reaffirming the need for protective measures instituted following the extensive 2023 strikes, which were significantly catalyzed by the rise of AI technologies.