Hollywood stars and industry unions are pushing back against Tilly Norwood, a computer-generated: “AI actor,” created by Dutch comedian and producer Eline Van der Velden. The virtual performer, who presents as a young aspiring actress on social media, has been touted as a potential client for talent agencies and even described by her creator as the: “next Scarlett Johansson.”

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) issued a sharp rebuke, saying Norwood: “is not an actor, it’s a character generated by a computer program” and warning that its use risks undermining contractual protections won during the 2023 Hollywood strikes.

“It creates the problem of using stolen performances to put actors out of work, jeopardizing performer livelihoods and devaluing human artistry,” the union said.

A number of A-list performers also weighed in. Emily Blunt, speaking on a Variety podcast, described the AI creation as: “terrifying,” urging agencies not to erode: “our human connection.”

Natasha Lyonne called for boycotts of any talent agency that signs Norwood, labelling the project: “deeply misguided and totally disturbed.” On American talk show The View, Whoopi Goldberg argued audiences would always notice the difference, saying synthetic actors: “move differently, our faces move differently, our bodies move differently.”

Van der Velden defended her work, insisting Tilly is not a human replacement but a piece of: “imagination and craftsmanship” comparable to drawing a character or shaping a performance. She introduced her new AI talent agency, Xicoia, at a summit in Zurich, hinting at upcoming projects involving major studios.