SAG-AFTRA Opposes AI-Generated Actors Over Labor and Artistic Concerns

The Hollywood community and SAG-AFTRA, the U.S. union representing about 160,000 performers, have strongly opposed the introduction of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress seeking representation. Created by Particle6 and AI division Xicoia, Tilly Norwood is a synthetic character generated from extensive data of human actors' performances without their permission or compensation, lacking real-life experience and emotions. SAG-AFTRA emphasizes that AI performers threaten human artistry, actor livelihoods, and violate contractual obligations that require notice and bargaining when synthetic performers are used. Prominent actors like Emily Blunt, Simu Liu, and Whoopi Goldberg have voiced concerns, highlighting the loss of human connection and unfair competitive advantages AI actors pose. The union insists creativity should remain human-centered and warns producers against using AI actors without compliance with union rules. This debate underscores ongoing tensions about AI's role in entertainment and its ethical and economic implications for human performers.