The announcement of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress, has ignited a debate within the entertainment industry. The creator, Eline Van der Velden, introduced Norwood at the Zurich Summit, stating that multiple talent agencies are already interested in representing the digital character. Van der Velden, whose AI talent studio Xicoia developed Norwood, said her goal is for the AI actress “to be the next Scarlett Johansson.”
In statements, Van der Velden positioned AI as a positive force for creativity, allowing productions to bypass budget constraints. She argued that audiences prioritize the story over whether an actor “has a pulse.” Norwood has been introduced in a comedy sketch titled “AI Commissioner.” (see below)
However, the news was met with immediate criticism from many in the acting community. On social media, actress Melissa Barrera urged actors to drop any agent who signs Norwood. Actress Mara Wilson questioned the ethics behind the creation, asking, “And what about the hundreds of living young women whose faces were composited together to make her?”
In response to the backlash, Van der Velden released a statement defending Norwood as a “piece of art” and a “creative work.” She compared AI to other technologies like animation or CGI, describing it as a “new tool” and a “new paintbrush” rather than a replacement for human actors.