SAEDNEWS: Eline Van Der Walden, an actor and technologist, introduced Tilly Norod, the first ‘AI star’—a character that has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some seeing it as a potential threat to real-life actors.
According to the technology desk of Saed News, the creator of an AI actor has broken her silence after widespread controversy, stressing that computer-generated characters are not intended to replace human performers in film and television. Eline Van der Velden, an actress, comedian, and technologist, introduced Tilly Norwood, the AI star, last weekend, immediately drawing strong reactions from audiences.
Many expressed concern about this invention, arguing that a computer-generated (CGI) character is an insult to real actors. Eline Van der Velden, CEO of the AI-based company Particle 6, responded to the backlash by stating that AI characters should “be evaluated as part of their own genre.” In a social media statement, she said:
“To those upset by Tilly Norwood, my AI character, I want to clarify that she is not a replacement for humans but a creative and artistic work. Like many artworks before her, she sparks discussion and conversation, which itself reflects the power of creativity.
I don’t see AI as a substitute for humans; I see it as a new tool, a fresh pen.
Just as animation, puppetry, or computer-generated imagery opened new possibilities without replacing live actors, AI offers a new way to imagine and tell stories.
I am an actor myself, and nothing—not even an AI character—can diminish the art or joy of human performance.
For me, creating Tilly has been an act of creativity and artistry, much like designing a character, writing a role, or shaping a performance.
Bringing such a character to life requires time, skill, and iteration. She embodies creativity and experimentation, not human replacement. Much of my work has always focused on reflecting society through humor, and this is no different.
AI characters should be judged as part of their own genre, based on their own unique values… Every form of art has its place and can be valuable for its distinct qualities.
I hope we can embrace AI as part of the broader family of art—a new way to express creativity alongside theater, film, painting, music, and more.
By celebrating all forms of creativity, we open doors to new voices, stories, and ways of connecting with each other.”
Despite this, social media users continued to criticize Van der Velden’s creation, encouraging others to “boycott” films that do not feature real actors. One commenter wrote, “It will never be a real actor; this AI character will never replace human-made art.” Another asked, “What guarantees this statement wasn’t written by ChatGPT?”
Others expressed strong outrage: “This entire thing is a huge insult to all hardworking, talented actors trying to succeed in the film industry. I really hope this ends in a deadlock. This is a disaster.” Another added, “We should all boycott films that use AI characters instead of real actors.” One more said, “I never wanted something to fail this badly. I will never watch a movie or TV show that uses this junk.”
Van der Velden had announced the creation of Tilly earlier this year, before officially launching her AI talent studio, Xicoia, last week. About her studio, she said:
“With Xicoia, we are building the first studio where AI-driven talents aren’t just a gimmick—they are living entities with depth, humor, and real storylines.
We believe the next generation of cultural icons will be artificial: stars who never tire, never age, and can interact with fans.
But just like the best entertainment companies, the key to success isn’t technology—it’s storytelling and the people behind those stories.”
