PATTAYA, Thailand – Hollywood is facing a turning point with the rise of AI actress Tilly Norwood, who is attracting attention from top talent agencies. Created by Xicoia Studio, a spin-off from Particle6 led by Eileen van der Velden, Tilly is designed to be photorealistic with a wide range of emotional expression. She even has a professional LinkedIn profile.
Tilly made her screen debut in the comedy short film AI Commissioner, appearing in the final scene and demonstrating how virtual actors can seamlessly integrate into live-action content.
At the Zurich Summit, held alongside the Zurich Film Festival, van der Velden revealed that multiple talent agencies have already reached out to represent Tilly, with deals expected in the coming months—potentially making her the first AI actor to have official representation.
The industry’s attitude has shifted dramatically in 2025. In February, executives dismissed the idea, but by May, many were eager to collaborate.
However, Tilly’s rise has sparked backlash from some human actors. Melissa Barrera of In the Heights urged a boycott of agencies representing AI actors, while Mara Wilson of Matilda questioned the ethics of using hundreds of women’s facial images to create a single character.
Van der Velden emphasized that Tilly is not a replacement for humans but a creative tool and work of art. He likened AI acting to animation, puppetry, or CGI—offering new storytelling possibilities without undermining human performance.
If Xicoia successfully secures representation for Tilly Norwood, it could mark a historic shift in the entertainment industry.
