Hollywood Talent Agencies Eye AI-Generated Actor as Real Stars Threaten Boycotts

Sep 29, 2025
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Summary

Hollywood talent agencies consider signing AI-generated actor Tilly Norwood from studio Xicoia, sparking fierce backlash from prominent actors like Melissa Barrera who threaten boycotts against agencies representing digital performers as the entertainment industry grapples with artificial intelligence's growing presence in film, TV, and gaming.

Key Points

  • AI talent studio Xicoia unveils its first digitally generated actor Tilly Norwood, with several Hollywood talent agencies expressing interest in signing the AI-generated performer
  • Prominent actors including Melissa Barrera, Kiersey Clemons, and Lukas Gage voice strong opposition and call for boycotts of agencies that represent AI actors, with Barrera writing 'Hope all actors repped by the agent that does this, drop their a$$'
  • Xicoia plans to use AI talent across film, TV, podcasts, social media and video games, with the company reporting increased industry interest since February despite initial resistance from Hollywood executives

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