AI ‘actor’ Tilly Norwood sparks backlash from Hollywood

Hollywood’s latest innovation is stirring a major backlash. Following Deadline’s report that AI talent studio Xicoia has introduced its first fully digital “actor,” named Tilly Norwood, several prominent actors are pushing back.

During a panel at the Zurich Summit, Xicoia founder Eline Van der Velden revealed that high-profile projects plan to feature the AI performer soon. The announcement triggered strong reactions across social media.

“Hope all actors repped by the agent that does this, drop their a$$,” wrote Melissa Barrera on her Instagram Story, sharing Deadline’s article. “How gross, read the room.”

Kiersey Clemons echoed the sentiment, commenting, “Out the agents. I want names.”

Other actors chimed in with criticism. Nicholas Alexander Chavez dismissed Norwood outright, commenting, “Not an actress actually. Nice try.”

Mara Wilson questioned the ethics behind Tilly’s creation, writing, “What about the hundreds of living young women whose faces were composited together to make her? You couldn’t hire any of them?”

Meanwhile, Lukas Gage joked that the AI co-star was “a nightmare to work with,” while Odessa A’zion quipped, “She threw coffee in my FACE!!!”

Trace Lysette added, “She cut me in line at lunch one day and didn’t even say excuse me. She won’t get far.”

Toni Collette responded only with the screaming emoji, while Ralph Ineson wrote on X, “F** off.”