A 24-year-old AI actress named Tilly Norwood has sparked excitement and concern across Hollywood. British filmmaker Eline Van der Velden and her team at Particle6 created the digital performer using advanced AI tools. The project took three years to complete and focused on building a fully developed character for a new digital universe. Tilly’s rapid rise surprised many observers, especially after talent agencies expressed interest in signing her.
The emergence of Tilly triggered immediate debate about the role of AI in the acting world. Actors and filmmakers voiced strong reactions as the digital performer gained traction. Industry members said the development raised questions about the future of human talent. The discussion grew louder as agencies publicly acknowledged their interest in the AI actress.
Hollywood Celebrities Express Growing Concerns
Major Hollywood celebrities quickly responded to Tilly’s growing popularity. Stars such as Toni Collette, Emily Blunt, Amy Poehler, and Ryan Reynolds expressed concerns about AI performers entering mainstream entertainment. They warned that AI actors could challenge the emotional depth offered by human performers. They also said AI characters might disrupt creative processes that rely heavily on lived experiences.
SAG-AFTRA also issued a statement addressing the controversy. The union warned that AI performers cannot replicate human emotion, experience, or connection. It added that audiences may struggle to create meaningful bonds with computer-generated actors. The statement emphasized the need to protect human performers as technology advances.
Creator Defends AI Performer’s Purpose
Eline Van der Velden responded to the criticism and clarified Tilly’s intended role. She said Tilly Norwood was not designed to replace human actors. Instead, she described the character as an innovative storytelling tool similar to animated or CGI figures. She stressed that human performers remain central to filmmaking and drive emotional storytelling.
Van der Velden also said that Tilly represents a new narrative style enabled by AI technology. She argued that the digital performer expands creative possibilities rather than limiting them. The filmmaker added that advancing technology should support artists and not undermine their contributions.
Particle6 Highlights Tilly’s Unique Development
Particle6 spent three years developing an entire AI character universe with Tilly at the center. Van der Velden said Tilly’s hyper-realism and emotional detail set her apart from earlier digital personalities. She clarified that the team did not use any real person’s face or likeness during development. Instead, they relied on commercial AI tools and proprietary software created by Particle6.
Van der Velden said Tilly reflects elements of U.K. acting traditions. She added that the character draws inspiration from her own experiences in the industry. The filmmaker said this approach made Tilly feel more authentic within the digital environment.
Despite criticism from actors and unions, interest in Tilly continues to grow. Award-winning writers, directors, and performers have reportedly contacted Particle6 to discuss possible collaborations. Many said they were curious about new forms of AI-driven storytelling. Van der Velden believes the rising interest confirms that Hollywood is ready to explore fresh creative directions in the AI era.
