Hollywood Buzz: Ai Boss Urges Stars To Clone Themselves Digitally Or Get Left Behind

  • By Ethan
  • Jan. 25, 2026, 9 a.m.

The AI Uprising in Tinseltown

Just one day after Chris Pratt slammed the idea of AI "actress" Tilly Norwood as a potential job stealer, Eline van der Velden, the CEO of Particle6, is doubling down on her vision. She's convinced that AI stars like Tilly are the new wave, urging real actors to jump on board by turning into digital twins. This isn't just tech talk; it's a wake-up call that's got everyone from LA to London buzzing about the future of fame.

Van der Velden's message is clear: while some celebs are fighting AI tooth and nail, she sees it as an opportunity. Instead of resisting, actors should "ethically" create AI versions of themselves to future-proof their careers. It's a bold move that's stirring up debates across global hotspots like Hollywood, Seoul, and Mumbai, where the entertainment world is always one step ahead of the curve.

Inside the Making of Tilly Norwood

Van der Velden wants people to remember that Tilly isn't some rogue AI; she's the result of human creativity and vision. In her chat with Variety, she explained how a dedicated team crafted Tilly, emphasizing that AI actors are just an evolution of what we've seen in films and shows. This push for actors to adapt isn't about replacement – it's about embracing new tools to keep shining in the spotlight.

She broke it down further, suggesting actors could use AI to make a digital twin or even a more vibrant version of themselves. Options range from performance capture, where stars lend their own movements, to simply guiding the AI like in animation. It's all about blending tech with talent, and Van der Velden's enthusiasm is infectious, making this a hot topic in international pop culture circles.

“When people discuss Tilly Norwood, they often overlook the human touch behind her – it's like bringing a character to life, just as actors have always done, with a creative vision driving every step."

AI as the Future of Performance

Diving deeper, Van der Velden painted AI as a gateway to endless possibilities, from wilder digital personas to younger, enhanced versions like Tilly. She urged actors to explore this medium for "new opportunities," whether that's through direct involvement or high-level direction. It's a shift that's got the industry talking, with potential ripple effects from Paris film sets to Bollywood productions.

This approach isn't without pushback, as some see it as a step toward losing the human element in acting. Yet, Van der Velden's pitch adds a layer of excitement, positioning AI as a tool for innovation rather than a threat.

AI Comparisons to Iconic Digital Creations

Van der Velden draws parallels between Tilly and beloved digital characters, like Gollum from Lord of the Rings or the avatars in James Cameron's film. She argues that Tilly is no different – she's guided by humans, just like those performances, and requires careful direction to come alive. This comparison is meant to ease fears, showing that AI is building on proven techniques rather than reinventing the wheel.

She pointed out how actors like Andy Serkis and Zoe Saldaña thrived with motion capture, proving that digital roles can be empowering. However, the key difference lies in the hands-on process; while Serkis suited up for Gollum, AI like Tilly involves more behind-the-scenes commands, which is fueling the ongoing debate and keeping the controversy alive worldwide.

The Ethical Angle

Not everyone agrees with this tech-forward view, as critics highlight the gap between physical performance and AI generation. Van der Velden's comments might fan the flames even more, but she's standing firm on the idea that AI enhances rather than erases human talent. It's a nuanced take that's resonating in global conversations about entertainment's evolution.

As the dust settles, her stance underscores a broader shift, where adapting to AI could mean new horizons or being sidelined in the fast-paced world of showbiz.

Final Thoughts and What's Next

In her closing remarks, Van der Velden made it clear that AI isn't about ousting anyone; it's for those who want to stay ahead. She warned that skipping the AI trend could leave actors in the past, echoing a sentiment that's got insiders from New York to Tokyo debating the risks and rewards. This isn't just advice – it's a survival guide for the digital age.

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Ethan
Author: Ethan