An AI-generated character named Tilly Norwood experienced a live broadcast glitch while promoting the upcoming film Misaligned on Piers Morgan Uncensored, abruptly switching from English to Cantonese mid-sentence.
AI Actor Tilly Norwood Glitches on Live Television
Tilly Norwood, a digital character created by Xicoia, the AI talent division of London-based production studio Particle6 Group, appeared on the program to discuss the upcoming comedy-drama, set in a surreal digital world known as the “Tillyverse.” During the segment, actor Tom Conti asked whether Norwood’s co-stars were human or computer-generated images. After a long pause to buffer, Norwood began answering that the other actors were digital twins, but stopped midsentence and started speaking in Cantonese.
“I didn’t quite get that. Did you get that, Piers?” Conti said on the broadcast. When Piers Morgan asked why the character switched languages, Norwood replied in English: “Oh, my apologies. It seems I had a little hiccup there. I certainly didn’t mean to start speaking Chinese or impersonate Piers there.” Later, Norwood posted on Instagram about the incident, writing: “You try speaking 30+ languages and see if you don’t show off occasionally.”
Industry Backlash and Ethical Concerns Over AI Casts
The media appearance is part of a wider press tour for Misaligned that has included outlets like CNN, NBC, and Variety. However, the introduction of Norwood has faced significant resistance from Hollywood. Actors including Emily Blunt, Melissa Barrera, Whoopi Goldberg, Natasha Lyonne, and the SAG-AFTRA union have come out against the AI character.
Debate over artificial intelligence in filmmaking remains sharply divided. Directors and creators such as Kane Parsons, Guillermo Del Toro, and Pope Leo XIV have condemned the technology, while Martin Scorsese, Neill Blomkamp, Brad Pitt, and Jodie Foster have endorsed or used AI in their projects. Recently, Star Wars creator George Lucas remarked that there is “nothing you can do about” the rise of AI, prompting SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin to ask Lucas and others to speak carefully about the technology.
Did you know?
Tilly Norwood was showcased by Dutch actor and comedian Eline Van der Velden at the Zurich Film Festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Tilly Norwood?
Tilly Norwood was created by Xicoia, the AI talent division of London-based production studio Particle6 Group.
What film is Tilly Norwood promoting?
The AI character is promoting Misaligned, described as a comedy-drama coming-of-age story set in a digital world called the “Tillyverse.”
Why did Tilly Norwood receive criticism from Hollywood?
Real Hollywood actors, including Emily Blunt, Melissa Barrera, Whoopi Goldberg, and Natasha Lyonne, alongside the SAG-AFTRA union, have opposed the AI character.
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