During the promotion of his new film, Mercy, Chris Pratt, known for his roles in Marvel and Jurassic World, strongly criticized the growing anxiety in Hollywood over artificial intelligence actors. Addressing the ongoing debate, Pratt called the hysteria surrounding AI performers “bulls**t,” emphasizing that AI would not replace human actors any time soon. His comments come amid rising industry concern about AI-generated characters like Tilly Norwood, an AI creation modeled to rival stars such as Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman.
The Emergence and Backlash Against AI Talent
Tilly Norwood was developed by Eline Van der Velden, founder of Particle 6 Productions and creator of the talent studio Xicoia. Upon revealing Tilly, Van der Velden announced that several talent agents were considering signing the AI figure, sparking an immediate negative reaction from the acting community. Many in Hollywood publicly criticized the project, condemning both the concept and its creators for what they perceived as a threat to real performers.
Actors voiced their outrage on social media. Melissa Barrera, star of Scream, urged,
Hope all actors repped by the agent that does this, drop their a$. How gross, read the room.
Mara Wilson, known for Matilda, asserted,
Shame on these people. They have stolen the faces of hundreds of young women to make this AI ‘actress.’ They’re not creators. They’re identity thieves.
Ralph Ineson, who portrayed Galactus in the MCU’s The Fantastic Four, bluntly posted “F**k off” on X/Twitter. Furthermore, SAG-AFTRA issued a firm warning to producers, advising against employing synthetic performers without meeting contractual obligations.
Pratt’s Perspective on AI and the Future of Acting
Chris Pratt openly expressed skepticism about AI actors threatening his career, stating:
I don’t feel like someone’s gonna replace me that’s AI,
and added,
I heard this Tilly Norwood thing. I think that’s all bulls**t. I’ve never seen her in a movie. I don’t know who this b***h is. It’s all fake until it’s something.
While Pratt acknowledged AI’s potential to revolutionize film production by reducing costs and accelerating workflows, he maintained that technology could never replicate the human soul behind a performance. He described AI as an “amazing tool,” yet insisted the essence of acting remains a uniquely human craft.
The Creator’s Defense: AI as a Creative Medium, Not a Replacement
Eline Van der Velden has repeatedly defended Tilly Norwood as an artistic experiment rather than an industry threat. She stated:
To those who have expressed anger over the creation of my AI character, Tilly Norwood: she is not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work — a piece of art,
adding,
“Like many forms of art before her, she sparks conversation, and that in itself shows the power of creativity.”
Van der Velden compared AI to earlier innovations such as animation and CGI, emphasizing their role in expanding storytelling possibilities without replacing live actors. She described her work as:
Creating Tilly has been, for me, an act of imagination and craftmanship, not unlike drawing a character, writing a role or shaping a performance. It takes time, skill, and iteration to bring such a character to life. She represents experimentation, not substitution. Much of my work has always been about holding up a mirror to society through satire, and this is no different.
Ongoing Developments and Industry Reaction
Despite the controversy, Van der Velden has continued to explore the possibilities of AI in entertainment, reportedly developing a shortform AI-led series for The History Channel featuring Tilly Norwood. However, the AI actress has yet to make a significant breakthrough in mainstream acting roles. Meanwhile, the Screen Actors Guild and many performers remain wary of AI’s implications, calling for clear industry guidelines to protect creative professionals.
Significance and Future Implications
The Chris Pratt AI controversy highlights the tension between emerging technologies and traditional performing arts. While AI promises efficiency and innovation in production, established actors and unions express fears about job security and creative authenticity. Pratt’s outspoken rejection of the AI actor hype underlines the enduring value placed on human artistry. Moving forward, how the entertainment industry integrates AI—balancing creative freedom, ethical concerns, and economic realities—will shape the future of film and television.
Fuck off https://t.co/nMV2B6V0co
— Ralph Ineson (@ralphineson) September 27, 2025
