The AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood is set to expand into a digital universe called the Tillyverse, according to reports from AI talent studio Xicoia and production company Particle6. Tilly Norwood is a 100 percent AI creation launched last year by London-based Xicoia, a spin-off from Dutch actress and tech creator Eline Van der Velden's AI production studio Particle6. The Tillyverse is described as a dynamic digital universe where Tilly and other AI characters will live, collaborate, and build careers.
Xicoia reportedly aims to build intellectual property and redefine talent creation in the AI era through this expansion. To lead the Tillyverse development, Xicoia has hired former Amazon Prime Video executive Marc Whelan, who previously worked on shows like Clarkson's Farm and The Grand Tour. Van der Velden stated that the goal is for Tilly to become a global superstar like Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman.
The goal is for Tilly to become a global superstar like Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman.
The introduction of Tilly Norwood has drawn criticism from Hollywood actors and unions. Actors such as Emily Blunt, Toni Colette, and Natasha Lyonne have spoken out against the AI actress, and the actors union SAG-AFTRA has opposed the replacement of human performers by synthetics, calling Tilly Norwood a computer-generated character trained on professional performers' work without permission. The exact functionality and appearance of the Tillyverse remain unclear.
Tilly Norwood is a computer-generated character trained on professional performers' work without permission.