Hollywood stars protest AI actress attracting agency interest

Leading Hollywood performers have voiced strong opposition after talent agents expressed interest in representing Tilly Norwood, an entirely virtual “AI actress” created by production company Particle6. The backlash highlights growing tensions between traditional entertainment industry professionals and emerging AI technologies threatening established career pathways.

Context and Background

Tilly Norwood represents a significant development in AI-generated entertainment, created by Xicoia talent studio through composite imaging of multiple real women’s faces. Particle6 founder Eline Van der Velden revealed that industry attitudes shifted dramatically between February and May, with boardrooms initially dismissing the concept before actively pursuing collaboration opportunities.

Prominent actors responded with sharp criticism on social media. Melissa Barrera from In the Heights called for actors to abandon any agent signing the virtual performer, whilst Matilda star Mara Wilson questioned why hundreds of living women whose faces contributed to Norwood’s creation weren’t hired instead. Nicholas Alexander Chavez bluntly dismissed the concept, stating “Not an actress actually nice try.”

The controversy connects directly to ongoing industry concerns about AI displacement, particularly following the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. During those negotiations, union representatives alleged studios proposed scanning background performers for a single day’s pay whilst retaining perpetual usage rights across unlimited projects.

Looking Forward

Van der Velden confirmed that an agency representation announcement will follow within months, suggesting the entertainment industry’s AI integration continues despite vocal opposition. This development represents a potential watershed moment for how artificial intelligence transforms traditional casting and performance roles.

The situation reflects broader questions about creative authenticity and economic fairness as AI capabilities advance. With streaming platforms already utilising artificial intelligence for viewer analysis and content creation, the industry faces fundamental decisions about balancing technological innovation with protecting human creative professionals’ livelihoods.

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