LOS ANGELES, Oct 1 – Hollywood is facing a new debate about artificial intelligence (AI) in movies and TV after the launch of an AI-generated “actress” called Tilly Norwood. The appearance of this computer-created character has sparked strong criticism from the SAG-AFTRA actors union, which represents more than 160,000 actors, announcers, recording artists, and stunt performers.

Tilly Norwood was first introduced at a film industry conference in Zurich last Saturday. The character is a young, fictional woman created entirely by AI, appearing in a short 20-second video parody about making a TV show with AI. The video did not copy any real actor but aimed to demonstrate AI’s possibilities in media.

The producer behind Tilly Norwood, Dutch actor-producer Eline Van der Velden, said the project is starting to attract attention from talent agents and studios. She told reporters that some agents are now interested in working with her AI production studio, Particle6, and that a first-ever talent agency deal could be announced in a few months.

However, the SAG-AFTRA union strongly criticized the use of AI, saying it should never replace human performers. “Creativity must remain human-centered,” the union said in a statement. The union also highlighted concerns that AI could take away jobs from actors and writers without permission or payment.

AI in movies is not new. Computer-generated imagery (CGI) has been used for years to create effects in films. Recently, AI software has helped in de-aging actors or creating special visual effects. But using AI to completely replicate a human performance in a full-length film is still not fully possible, experts say.

Van der Velden responded to the backlash on social media, clarifying that her intention was not to replace actors, but to create a new tool to assist creative work. She emphasized that AI could support artists, helping them explore new ideas, rather than taking over their jobs.

This controversy shows the tension between technology and tradition in Hollywood. Many actors and writers worry that as AI becomes more powerful, their skills and careers could be at risk. At the same time, producers see AI as a way to innovate and make new kinds of content.

As the debate continues, the film industry must find a balance between human creativity and emerging AI technology. How Hollywood manages this challenge could shape the future of movies, television, and storytelling for years to come.