Hollywood is no stranger to reinvention, but its newest “actress” is testing the very core of creativity. Tilly Norwood, the world’s first AI-generated performer, was unveiled in September 2025 at the Zurich Summit by Dutch producer Eline Van der Velden and her London-based studio Xicoia. What is astounding is that Tilly is being marketed as a rising star, backed by AI-crafted videos and with a steadily growing Instagram following.
Her debut, however, has sparked fierce debate in the Hollywood industry. The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) issued an immediate backlash, condemning Tilly as a creation trained on the work of living actors without consent or pay. The union has raised concerns that allowing synthetic performers into the industry threatens the jobs and recognition of thousands of professionals. They stressed the fact that “Creativity must stay human”.
Prominent actors have chimed in with sharp criticism. Emily Blunt called the AI actress “terrifying,” urging talent agencies to reject her inclusion. Whoopi Goldberg argued that AI performers, built from blended elements of real people, can never truly replace original artistic expression. For them, Tilly is not innovation but intrusion.
Not that everyone sees it as a danger. Eline Van der Velden insists Tilly is a tool, not a replacement. Comparing her to CGI figures or elaborate puppetry, Van der Velden argues that AI characters can unlock new forms of storytelling while coexisting with live actors. In her view, Tilly represents creative expansion, not erasure.
Still, the debate reveals deeper tensions in Hollywood. This comes not only as a threat to the scores employed, but also to the quality and humanistic essence of performance. Time will reveal whether the audience can resonate with an AI performer who has hardly any emotional feelings. Developments are meant to assist actors, but then what if humans themselves are replaced by AI actors? That is something to be pondered upon by the industry experts and legends.
As of now, with Tilly stealing all the limelight, Hollywood watches uneasily as its newest star sparks both fascination and fear.
