Emily Blunt has opened up about AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood during a recent interview. Calling the development “terrifying,” Blunt expressed concern that the technology could strip away the human connection.
Emily Blunt reacts to AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood
Emily Blunt was caught off guard during a recent appearance on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast when she learned about the debut of Tilly Norwood, an AI-created actress. She has already begun attracting interest from agents.
Blunt was taken aback with the new development and struggled to find the right words. She said, “Does it disappoint me? I don’t know how to quite answer it, other than to say how terrifying this is.” The actress reacted in shock when presented with Norwood’s image, saying, “No, are you serious? That’s an AI? Good Lord, we’re screwed. That is really, really scary.”
Blunt went on to urge talent agencies not to replace human artists. She noted, “Come on, agencies, don’t do that. Please stop. Please stop taking away our human connection.” When told that Norwood is modeled to be “the next Scarlett Johansson,” the actress simply said, “But we have Scarlett Johansson.”
Norwood marks the first project from Xicoia, a new AI talent venture launched by Eline Van der Velden. The initiative was formally unveiled at the Zurich Summit during the Zurich Film Festival. Van der Velden explained that multiple studios are developing similar projects and further announcements are expected in the months ahead.
The creation of Norwood has already sparked a wider backlash. Following the announcement, numerous actors, including Melissa Barrera, Kiersy Clemons, and Mara Wilson, voiced their objections. Barrera wrote on her Instagram Story, “Hope all actors repped by the agent that does this, drop their a$$. How gross, read the room” (via Dexerto).
Meanwhile, Wilson pointed out ethical concern, writing “What about the hundreds of living young women whose faces were composited together to make her? You couldn’t hire any of them?”
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.
