At the New York premiere of Mercy on Tuesday, Chris Pratt expressed dismissal of concerns that artificial intelligence could replace human actors in Hollywood. Pratt, addressing the growing conversation around AI performers like Tilly Norwood, shared his viewpoint that fears surrounding AI actors are exaggerated and premature.
Speaking to Variety, Pratt stated,
“I don’t feel like someone’s gonna replace me that’s AI.”
Responding directly to the buzz around Norwood, a synthetic AI actress, he made his position clear:
“I heard this Tilly Norwood thing, I think that’s all bullshit. I’ve never seen her in a movie. I don’t know who this b**ch is. It’s all fake until it’s something.”
Industry Debate and Pratt’s Cautious Perspective on AI
The entertainment world remains divided over artificial intelligence’s role, with some actors and unions worried about AI potentially usurping human roles. Pratt, however, views these discussions as somewhat premature, suggesting the extent of AI’s impact on the industry is still uncertain. While acknowledging AI may cause disruption, he considers it more of a tool to assist creativity than a replacement.
Describing technology’s possible benefits, Pratt said AI could be
“an amazing tool in the right hands,”
emphasizing that it might enhance filmmaking without supplanting human talent. He stressed that AI cannot replicate the emotional core necessary for art, insisting,
“I don’t think you’re going to replace the human soul of a director or a writer or an actor or a singer or any of this stuff that requires human yearning and suffering and vision in art.”
The Ongoing Tilly Norwood Controversy and Artistic Boundaries
The discussion around Tilly Norwood, a digital character created by Dutch comedian Eline Van der Velden, highlights broader concerns over AI’s place in creative industries. Van der Velden has defended Norwood, stating it is
“not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work – a piece of art.”
Despite this, Pratt remains unconvinced that AI-generated performances have yet achieved the depth or resonance required to significantly change Hollywood.
Until AI actors can deliver authentic performances that connect with audiences, Pratt appears skeptical that the essence of human-driven storytelling and performance is truly at risk. His remarks underscore the ongoing tension in balancing technological innovation with preserving the irreplaceable qualities of human artistry.
