TLDR: Oscar-nominated actress Emily Blunt has voiced strong concerns regarding the emergence of AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood, calling the development ‘terrifying’ and ‘really scary.’ Blunt urged Hollywood talent agencies to refrain from embracing such technology, emphasizing the importance of preserving human connection in the industry. Tilly Norwood, created by Eline Van der Velden’s AI talent studio Xicoia, has sparked a significant debate within Hollywood about the role of artificial intelligence in creative fields, echoing sentiments from the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes.
Oscar-nominated actress Emily Blunt has publicly expressed her profound apprehension regarding the introduction of Tilly Norwood, the entertainment industry’s first AI-generated actress. Speaking on a ‘Variety’ podcast, Blunt described the development as ‘terrifying’ and ‘really scary,’ issuing a direct plea to Hollywood agencies: ‘Come on, agencies, don’t do that. Please stop. Please stop taking away our human connection.’
Tilly Norwood was unveiled by Eline Van der Velden, founder of the AI talent studio Xicoia (and her production company Particle6), at the Zurich Summit around September 27, 2025. Van der Velden confirmed that Norwood is already in discussions with major talent agencies, and that other studios are pursuing similar AI projects. When shown an image of Tilly Norwood, Blunt reacted with disbelief, exclaiming, ‘No, are you serious? That’s an AI? Good Lord, we’re screwed.’ She further commented on the creators’ stated aim to position Norwood as ‘the next Scarlett Johansson,’ responding, ‘But we have Scarlett Johansson.’
Van der Velden has defended her creation amidst the industry backlash, asserting that Tilly Norwood is ‘not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work – a piece of art.’ She views AI as ‘a new tool, a new paintbrush,’ suggesting it ‘offers another way to imagine and build stories,’ much like animation or CGI. Van der Velden, an actor herself, insists that ‘nothing – certainly not an AI character – can take away the craft or joy of human performance.’
The debate surrounding AI in Hollywood is not new; it was a central point of contention during the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes. Other prominent figures have also weighed in on Tilly Norwood’s emergence. ‘Scream’ actress Melissa Barrera called for a boycott of agencies that sign AI actors, stating, ‘How gross, read the room.’ Mara Wilson, known for ‘Matilda,’ questioned the ethical implications, asking, ‘And what about the hundreds of living young women whose faces were composited together to make her? You couldn’t hire any of them?’ EGOT-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg, while acknowledging AI actors have ‘a bit of an unfair advantage’ due to being generated from ‘5,000 other actors,’ also expressed a willingness to face the challenge, concluding, ‘Bring it on. You can always tell them from us.’
Also Read:
- Jon M. Chu Criticizes Silicon Valley’s AI Practices and Hollywood’s Acquiescence
- Artificial Intelligence Nears Embryo Experimentation as Australia’s Foremost Ethical Concern, Governance Institute Survey Reveals
Clips of Tilly Norwood have already been shared on Instagram, showcasing her ability to perform diverse roles rapidly, with one post reading: ‘In 20 seconds I fought monsters, fled explosions, sold you a car, and nearly won an Oscar. All in a day’s work… literally! Find yourself an actress who can do it all.’ This has elicited mixed reactions from users, with some expressing curiosity and others criticizing the lack of ‘soul’ in virtual performers. Emily Blunt is currently promoting her upcoming film, ‘The Smashing Machine,’ set to release on October 3, 2025.
