Old School. Biblically Independent.
By Dustin Rowles | News | September 29, 2025
Deadline reported over the weekend that several talent agents are circling AI actress Tilly Norward, which I think was a pretty specious headline to begin with. The report was based on comments made by her creator, Eline Van der Velden, at a panel at the Zurich Summit, although “Tilly Norwood’s” only credit is a two-minute AI-created short film. Here is Tilly Norwood in all her AI-ness:
I think that perhaps Van der Velden was trying to wish an agent into existence, but either way, Deadline reported it and the post immediately drew backlash from a number of actors on social media, including Melissa Barrera, who was like, “How gross, read the room,” and suggested a boycott of any agencies that sign Tilly Norwood. Several other actors on social media also shared not-so-kind thoughts and emojis about the possibility, like Toni Collette, Mara Wilson, Kiersey Clemons, and Ralph Ineson.
f**k off https://t.co/nMV2B6V0co
— Ralph Ineson (@ralphineson) September 27, 2025
The backlash was so swift and fierce that by early this morning, the cycle on the story had run its course, as creator Eline Van der Velden released a statement apologizing. “To those who have expressed anger over the creation of my AI character, Tilly Norwood, she is not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work - a piece of art. Like many forms of art before her, she sparks conversation, and that in itself shows the power of creativity.”
She certainly did spark conversation, although none of it was positive. The technology is still, thankfully, ahead of the will of the industry.
“I see AI not as a replacement for people, but as a new tool, a new paintbrush,” the statement continued. “Just as animation, puppetry, or CGI opened fresh possibilities without taking away from live acting, AI offers another way to imagine and build stories. I’m an actor myself, and nothing - certainly not an AI character - can take away the craft or joy of human performance.”
I think we can safely say that Tilly would not be very popular on set.
