Ava McDonnell
Tilly Norwood, a fully AI-generated “actress” created by Particle6’s AI studio Xicoia, is drawing sharp criticism across Hollywood following her public debut in July.
Norwood was introduced in the short comedy sketch AI Commissioner, which was produced using multiple generative-AI tools, including an AI-written script. Developed under filmmaker Eline Van der Velden, Norwood has since gained a social media presence promoting her as a digital performer.
“We want Tilly to be the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman, that’s the aim of what we’re doing,” said Eline Van der Velden in an interview with Broadcast International.
SAG-AFTRA condemned the project, saying Norwood “is not an actor” and warning that synthetic performers could exploit the work of real actors without consent or compensation. The union’s statement was echoed by several high-profile actors, including Emily Blunt and Whoopi Goldberg, who described the AI character as “scary” and “misguided.”
After the controversy arose, Velden claimed they didn’t make it clear that Tilly Norwood was meant to stay within an “AI-first” content community rather than replace human performance. Still, critics argue the technology threatens jobs, blurs creative ownership, and raises concerns about transparency in entertainment.
As studios experiment with AI tools, Norwood has become a focal point in the industry’s debate over how artificial performers should be used and whether they belong on screen at all.
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