🎭 AI Actress Tilly Norwood Sparks Hollywood Backlash
- NewBits Media
- Oct 6
- 2 min read
The line between digital and real just got blurrier.
AI talent studio Xicoia announced that its synthetic performer, AI actress Tilly Norwood, is in talks with major Hollywood agencies, igniting fierce backlash from actors who are threatening to boycott any firm that signs her.
🎬 The Details
🤖 Who is AI Actress Tilly Norwood?
Tilly debuted last month in a comedy sketch — a fully AI-generated performer with her own backstory, voice, and narrative arc.
🎥 Who’s behind her?
Tilly is the creation of Xicoia, a new spin-out from London-based studio Particle6. Founder Eline Van der Velden says the goal is bold:
“Tilly should be the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman.”
⚡ Rapid shift in Hollywood:
Van der Velden claims studios went from laughing off AI actors to actively pursuing deals in just a few months.
“The age of synthetic actors isn’t coming,” she said. “It’s here.”
🔥 The backlash:
Several well-known actors and union representatives called the move a betrayal, urging peers to drop representation from any agency that signs Norwood. Critics argue that synthetic performers threaten jobs, authenticity, and the integrity of the craft.
⚖️ Why AI Actress Tilly Norwood Matters
Hollywood’s long-simmering AI identity crisis is boiling over. AI actress Tilly Norwood represents a tipping point — not just a visual experiment, but a fully branded persona negotiating contracts in the real world.
From AI pop star Xania Monet to synthetic models and influencers, entertainment is shifting from human-led to AI-driven talent economies. The question now isn’t if AI performers will enter Hollywood — it’s how the industry and audiences will respond when they do.
Enjoyed this article?
Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing to NewBits Digest, our weekly newsletter featuring curated AI stories, insights, and original content—from foundational concepts to the bleeding edge.
👉 Register or Login at newbits.ai to like, comment, and join the conversation.
Want to explore more?
AI Solutions Directory: Discover AI models, tools & platforms.
AI Ed: Learn through our podcast series, From Bits to Breakthroughs.
AI Hub: Engage across our community and social platforms.
Follow us for daily drops, videos, and updates:
And remember, “It’s all about the bits…especially the new bits.”
Comments