Hollywood Criticizes AI Character Tilly Norwood

In 2023, the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes highlighted generative AI as a contentious issue between artists and employers. Although the strikes concluded with some safeguards, the matter remained unresolved.

By 2025, the entertainment industry is once again in turmoil over AI, this time concerning a digital character being considered for representation by talent agencies.

Tilly Norwood is a character created by Eline Van der Velden, CEO of AI production company Particle 6. She presents herself as an 'actress' on social media, though the character lacks the ability to convincingly portray human emotions.

The character's debut in a short film, featuring a controversial joke about AI-generated performers, has sparked significant backlash. The suggestion that major Hollywood agencies might endorse an AI 'actress' has alarmed many real actors.

Eline Van der Velden issued a statement defending Tilly Norwood as a creative work, not a replacement for humans. However, major awards have begun to establish rules to address AI in acting categories.