The Controversy Surrounding the First AI Actor and Its Impact on the Entertainment Industry

Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated “actor” created by the studio Xicoia, has sparked significant controversy in Hollywood, despite not being a real person. Norwood, unveiled at the Zurich Film Festival, has been hailed as the next Scarlett Johansson, with studios reportedly eager to collaborate. However, the backlash from real human actors has been swift and fierce, with many expressing concern over the implications for their livelihoods.

Norwood’s debut was a single AI-generated comedy sketch titled “AI Commissioner,” which received mixed reactions. While the technical achievement is impressive, the sketch was criticized for being unfunny and unsettling. The video, released two months ago, has only garnered around 200,000 views, which is significantly lower than other contemporary content, such as Macaulay Culkin’s appearance on Hot Ones, which received 2.8 million views. This low viewership has raised questions about the marketability and appeal of AI-generated content.

The potential for AI in entertainment is vast, offering a pliant and cost-effective alternative to human actors. AI actors like Norwood could be tailored to fit any director’s vision, without the need for ego, creative input, or large salaries. This makes them an attractive option for studios looking to cut costs and streamline the creative process. However, the success of AI actors ultimately depends on audience reception and financial viability.

The debate over AI in the entertainment industry is not just about the future of acting—it’s also about the ethical implications of using real human faces to train and create these AI models. Some actors have raised concerns about the use of their likenesses without consent, highlighting a broader issue in the use of AI in media. For example, Melissa Barrera and Mara Wilson have publicly criticized the use of real actors’ faces in the creation of Norwood, arguing that it undermines the value of human talent.

As with past technological trends in Hollywood, the future of AI in acting remains uncertain. The adoption of AI actors will depend on whether audiences are willing to pay for content featuring these digital creations. While some may find the idea of AI actors unsettling, others may embrace the innovation, leading to a potential shift in the entertainment landscape.

For now, Tilly Norwood remains a polarizing figure in Hollywood, representing both the promise and the peril of AI in the arts. As the industry continues to grapple with these changes, the question remains: will AI actors like Norwood become the new norm, or will they fade into obscurity like other once-hyped technologies?

Moreover, the rise of AI in entertainment is not limited to acting. AI is also being used in scriptwriting, directing, and even voice acting. This broader integration of AI into the creative process raises further questions about the role of human creativity in the digital age. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely that the entertainment industry will face ongoing challenges in balancing innovation with the preservation of human artistry.