The emergence of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated ‘actor,’ has sparked intense debate in Hollywood, with industry heavyweights like Emily Blunt, Natasha Lyonne, and Whoopi Goldberg voicing strong opposition. Created by Dutch actor and comedian Eline Van der Velden, Norwood has been marketed as a synthetic performer with ‘girl next door vibes,’ complete with an Instagram page showcasing AI-generated comedy sketches and faux film tests. However, Hollywood’s Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has condemned the creation, stating that Norwood lacks the life experience, emotion, and human connection essential to acting. The union warned that using AI actors like Norwood could undermine the contractual protections secured after the 2023 Hollywood strikes, which were partly driven by concerns over AI’s impact on the industry. Van der Velden defended her creation as a ‘piece of art’ rather than a replacement for human actors, urging critics to judge AI performers within their own genre. Despite this, A-list stars remain unconvinced. Emily Blunt described Norwood as ‘terrifying,’ while Natasha Lyonne called for a boycott of any talent agency working with AI actors. Whoopi Goldberg, meanwhile, expressed skepticism that AI could replicate the nuances of human performance. As Hollywood grapples with the ethical and artistic implications of AI, the debate over Tilly Norwood highlights the ongoing tension between technological innovation and the preservation of human artistry.
Emily Blunt among Hollywood stars outraged over ‘AI actor’ Tilly Norwood
