During a recent appearance on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Emily Blunt confronted an unsettling development in Hollywood: the emergence of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress. This news broke just ahead of the Los Angeles premiere of her latest film, “The Smashing Machine.”
Emily Blunt’s Reaction to AI Actress Tilly Norwood
Upon learning about Tilly Norwood, Blunt expressed her discomfort with the rapidly evolving technology. She remarked, “Does it disappoint me? I don’t know how to quite answer it. All I can say is that it’s terrifying.” When presented with an image of Norwood, Blunt’s reaction was frank. “Good Lord, we’re screwed. That is really, really scary,” she said. Her plea to Hollywood was clear: “Please stop taking away our human connection.”
Tilly Norwood: The First AI Creation from Xicoia
Tilly Norwood is the inaugural project from Xicoia, an AI talent studio founded by Eline Van der Velden, who is also behind the production company Particle6. Van der Velden introduced the AI concept during the Zurich Film Festival, noting a trend among studios exploring similar ventures. Further announcements about AI actresses are anticipated in the upcoming months.
Blunt highlighted that Norwood was designed as a composite of known performers. Concerned about her likeness, she pointed out, “They want her to be the next Scarlett Johansson.” In response, Blunt asserted, “but we have Scarlett Johansson.”
The Broader Implications for Hollywood
The arrival of AI actresses like Tilly Norwood has sparked significant debate within Hollywood. The challenges surrounding digital likeness and protections for actors were pivotal during last year’s WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, as performers demanded safeguards to prevent unauthorized use of their voices and images.
Industry Reaction
- Hollywood actors, including Melissa Barrera and Lukas Gage, swiftly condemned the use of AI in performance.
- The concern encompasses potential loss of authenticity and the impact on employment for human actors.
Emily Blunt’s comments echo a growing unease among industry professionals regarding the implications of artificial intelligence in film and television. As Hollywood grapples with these changes, the conversation surrounding AI’s role in entertainment is more pertinent than ever.
The Smashing Machine: Emily Blunt’s Latest Film
Emily Blunt stars as Dawn Staples in “The Smashing Machine,” a film featuring Dwayne Johnson. The story delves into the life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr and has already premiered at major film festivals, including Venice and Toronto, where it received positive audience feedback and early Oscar buzz.
