After the digital actress Tilly Norwood was launched as the first project from the AI talent studio Xicoia during the Zurich Summit at the Zurich Film Festival, a wave of controversy arose concerning the future of the film industry.

Outrage from Hollywood Stars

The announcement sparked widespread anger within the artistic community and on social media, as many considered the move a threat to the status of real actors.

According to Variety, Mexican actress Melissa Barrera sharply commented, “I hope all actors drop any agent who does this. It’s disgusting, read the room.”

American actress and singer Kelsey Clemons said, “Reveal the agents’ names. I want the names.”

American actress Mara Wilson questioned, “What about the hundreds of real young women whose faces were collected to create this character? Couldn’t you have hired any of them?”

American actor Lucas Gage mocked, saying: “A nightmare on set!!!! She didn’t remember her marks and was always late!”

Australian star Toni Collette summed up her anger with a series of screaming faces.

Emily Blunt’s Position: “This is Very Scary”

British star Emily Blunt joined the list of critics, warning agencies against dealing with this move. She said in her statement:

“Tilly Norwood is very scary. I say to agents: Don’t do it.”

Blunt saw that resorting to an AI-made actress represents a direct threat to humanity within art and the film industry.

Project Innovator’s Defense

Project creator Ellen Van Der Velden responded to the attack via a statement posted on Instagram, saying:

“Tilly Norwood is not a substitute for humans but an artwork that opens the door for discussion. I see AI as a new tool, like a paintbrush, just as animation or visual effects opened new horizons without canceling live acting.”

“I am an actress myself, and nothing – certainly not an AI character – can take away the joy or value of human performance.”

Renewed AI Crisis in Hollywood

This crisis comes amid ongoing controversy in Hollywood about the role of AI. This issue was central to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes last year, where actors demanded legal guarantees to prevent the exploitation of their voices and images digitally without permission. With the emergence of “Norwood,” it seems this discussion will escalate again within the industry.