Hollywood Plans to Sign First AI-Generated Actress Tilly Norwood

Tilly Norwood, the first AI-generated actress created by AI talent studio Xicoia, is gaining significant attention and may soon be signed by a major Hollywood talent agency, signaling a transformative shift in the entertainment industry. Xicoia, a spin-off from the production company Particle6 founded by actress and technologist Eline Van der Velden, aims to create, manage, and monetize hyperreal digital performers with complex personalities and narratives. Initially met with skepticism by studios in early 2025, AI actors like Tilly have quickly moved to prominence as studios and agents now actively pursue collaboration with AI talent. This development raises debates about the future role of human actors and authenticity in storytelling, as well as new opportunities for reimagining intellectual property, including bringing back legendary performers digitally. Van der Velden envisions AI actors becoming as influential as traditional stars, emphasizing that audiences prioritize story over whether the star is synthetic. While enthusiasm grows, the arrival of AI actors like Tilly Norwood also faces opposition and raises questions about the impact on Hollywood's traditional talent ecosystem.