Tom Hollander Reflects on AI Actor Tilly Norwood: ‘Am I Too Unafraid?’

Tom Hollander recently shared his thoughts on the growing presence of AI actors in the film industry, specifically discussing the debut of Tilly Norwood, an AI starlet. He believes that rather than posing a threat, AI performers may enhance the appeal of genuine live performances.

Concerns Over AI Actors

The 58-year-old star of *The Iris Affair* portrays entrepreneur Cameron Beck, coinciding with a notable advancement in artificial intelligence. Last week marked Norwood’s entrance into Hollywood, generated by Dutch comedian Eline Van der Velden and her studio, Particle6.

Industry Reactions

• Hollander dismisses rumors about Norwood’s engagement with talent agencies, labeling them as “a lot of old nonsense”.
• He raised questions about the practicalities of working with AI actors, such as the need for blue-screen technology.
• Well-known actors, including Emily Blunt and Whoopi Goldberg, have voiced their objections to the emergence of AI characters.
• The US actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, has also expressed concerns about AI performers.

The Nature of AI Performance

Hollander likened watching an AI actor to experiencing a magic trick, where the knowledge of its artificiality can alter the viewer’s perception. He emphasized several points regarding the limitations of AI:

• AI lacks unpredictability, which is a crucial aspect of human performances.
• Real-life imperfections allure audiences, something that AI struggles to replicate.
• Authenticity will become a key point of contention, as actors may reject excessive makeup to stand out against AI perfection.

Embracing Live Performance

Despite the rise of AI, Hollander remains optimistic. He believes live performances will gain increased significance as audiences seek authenticity. Co-star Niamh Algar echoed these sentiments, emphasizing her disinterest in collaborating with AI, deeming it unable to embody the essence of a true actor.

Both Hollander and Algar foresee a thriving future for theatre in this evolving landscape. Algar humorously remarked, “Theatre’s going to kick off. It’s going to be so hot.”

The Broader Impact of Technology

Neil Cross, the screenwriter of *The Iris Affair*, reflects on the implications of technological advancements on society. He raises philosophical questions about the unintended consequences of innovations. Cross acknowledges the pervasive anxiety surrounding the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and its potential to redefine humanity.

Cross’s concern extends to the future, where he anticipates dramatic changes within the next 15 years. He believes that there is a significant risk in the relentless pursuit of technological advancement, cautioning that humanity may be edging toward creating something akin to a “God”, as he puts it.

What’s Next for *The Iris Affair*

*The Iris Affair*, featuring these profound themes, is set to premiere on Thursday, October 16, on Sky Atlantic and is available for streaming on NOW.