Overview

• SAG-AFTRA declared Tilly Norwood is not an actor and alleged the character was trained on performers’ work without permission or compensation, calling such use a threat to jobs and human artistry.
• Under the union’s statement, signatory producers are reminded they must follow contractual obligations that include advance notice to the guild and bargaining when a synthetic performer is used.
• Creator Eline Van der Velden defended Tilly as a creative work and a tool comparable to animation or CGI, insisting the project does not seek to replace human performers.
• Reports from the Zurich Summit said multiple talent agents have shown interest in representing Tilly, with the creator signaling a possible representation announcement in the coming months.
• High-profile actors including Emily Blunt, Whoopi Goldberg, Melissa Barrera and others criticized the project, with some urging boycotts of agencies that sign AI talent, reviving concerns central to the 2023 labor fights over consent and compensation.