Chris Pratt firmly defended the role of human actors against the rising presence of artificial intelligence in entertainment during the January 20 New York premiere of Mercy. Addressing concerns about AI potentially replacing human performers, Pratt expressed skepticism, particularly targeting the AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood, stating that the idea of an AI supplanting him in the industry was “bulls–t.”
Pratt, known for his work on Parks and Recreation and Guardians of the Galaxy, dismissed the growing hype around digital actors, emphasizing the irreplaceable qualities of human creativity. His remarks not only address the current debate over AI in film but also highlight broader tensions between emerging technology and traditional artistry.
Chris Pratt’s Firm Stance Against AI Actors
At 46 years old, Chris Pratt conveyed confidence that AI would not take over his profession, specifically ridiculing the notion that Tilly Norwood, an entirely computer-generated actress, could replace him.
“I don’t feel like someone’s going to replace me that’s AI,”
he said, adding bluntly,
“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.”
He reinforced his skepticism by stating,
“You know, it’s all fake until it’s something,”
underscoring his view that AI performers have not yet reached authenticity or legitimacy in the industry.
The Emergence of Tilly Norwood and the Backlash
Tilly Norwood is a digital actress created by Dutch writer Eline Van der Velden, who introduced this virtual performer at the Zurich Film Festival in September. Van der Velden expressed hopes for Norwood to be signed by a real talent agency, igniting widespread debate in Hollywood about the implications of AI-generated actors entering the profession.
Tilly Norwood even responded humorously to Pratt’s harsh comments with the remark,
“Ah, I’ll date Chris Pine’s AI twin then!”
—as reported by E! News—demonstrating a certain playful engagement despite her virtual nature.
Balancing Concerns with the Benefits of AI Technology
Though Pratt is critical of AI’s role supplanting human actors, he acknowledges that the technology is a powerful storytelling tool when used appropriately.
“I think it’s an amazing tool and in the right hands could really help people to tell stories,”
he said. He also recognized the inevitability of AI disrupting the film industry, calling it “an intellectual revolution” that affects many fields beyond acting.
Pratt elaborated on this inevitability by noting,
“Great filmmakers are going to make great films and they’re going to probably implement these tools if it helps streamline production. If it helps bring the cost of production down, it’s inevitable.”
However, he remains clear that the essence of human expression—
“the human soul of a director or a writer or an actor or a singer”
—cannot be replaced by artificial entities, because these roles require
“human yearning and suffering and vision in art.”
Chris Pratt’s Family and Personal Context
Outside of his professional views, Pratt is a father to four children: son Jack with his ex-wife Anna Faris, along with Lyla, Eloise, and Ford with his current wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt. His family life contrasts the futuristic AI concerns he critiques, grounding him in the human experience that he insists remains central to authentic acting and storytelling.
Additional Celebrity Disputes Reflect Industry Tensions
Chris Pratt’s AI-related remarks come amid a backdrop of various public feuds among celebrities, underscoring the intensity and personal nature of disputes in the entertainment world.
Tan France and Bobby Berk Address Personal Disputes
Bobby Berk, who announced his departure from Queer Eye after eight seasons, clarified in January 2024 that rumors of discord between him and co-star Tan France were based on a personal issue unrelated to the series. He reassured the public,
“I want people to know that Tan and I—we will be fine.”
Tan France responded in March 2024 to allegations implying he coveted Bobby’s role for his friend Jeremiah Brent, asserting,
“Netflix and the production companies did a full-on casting. I didn’t put my friend up for the job. They ended up getting it because they were the best person for the job. But I didn’t get them hired by getting rid of somebody else.”
Sharon Osbourne Calls Out Ashton Kutcher’s Behavior
In a September 2023 interview on E! News while playing “Stir the Pot” with her daughter Kelly Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne described Ashton Kutcher as “the rudest celebrity” she has encountered, labeling him a
“rude, rude, rude, rude little boy”
and a “dastardly little thing.” Ashton did not publicly respond. Years earlier, Sharon recalled Kutcher’s attitude from an interview on The Talk in 2014, quoting him saying,
“What are you, what have you done in this industry?”
She replied,
“Kid, don’t start with me, because I’m gonna eat you up and s–t you out.”
Maren Morris and Cassadee Pope Clash with Brittany Aldean
In August 2022, country singers Maren Morris and Cassadee Pope confronted Brittany Aldean, wife of Jason Aldean, over a controversial Instagram Reel. Brittany expressed appreciation for her parents not
“changing my gender when I went through my tomboy phase,”
which sparked backlash from the singers.
JoJo Siwa and Candace Cameron Bure Reconcile After Public Dispute
JoJo Siwa referred to Candace Cameron Bure as the “rudest” celebrity during a 2022 TikTok challenge, recalling a moment when Bure declined a photo opportunity on a red carpet. Candace later apologized, saying,
“I kind of broke your 11-year-old heart. I didn’t take a picture with you. Ugh! I feel crummy, I feel—JoJo, I’m so sorry.”
Although they reconciled, the disagreement resurfaced after Candace expressed opposition to same-sex couples leading holiday movies on the Great American Family channel, prompting JoJo—who came out as LGBTQ+ in 2021—to call the comment
“rude and hurtful to a whole community of people.”
Courtney Love and Olivia Rodrigo’s Album Art Dispute
In June 2021, Courtney Love accused Olivia Rodrigo of plagiarizing Hole’s album cover for promotional material without credit. Olivia responded with support, stating,
“Love u and live through this sooooo much,”
to which Courtney replied with a lighthearted invitation and wink emoji, maintaining a playful tone despite the accusation.
Henry Winkler’s Uneasy Relationship with Tom Hanks
Henry Winkler revealed tension with Tom Hanks during the making of Turner & Hooch in 1989, explaining,
“I was directing that movie for 13 days and then I was called into [producer] Jeff Katzenberg’s office and he said, ‘You have everything with you? Go home.’”
Winkler joked about his better rapport with the canine co-star, saying,
“I got along great, great with that dog. Love that dog.”
However, he declined to confirm whether he had actually watched the film.
Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag’s Reality TV Feud
The feud between Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag originated on The Hills, peaking when Lauren accused Heidi and Spencer Pratt of circulating a false rumor about her engaging in a sex tape with Jason Wahler. The memorable line, “You know what you did!” symbolizes the longstanding tension between the two stars.
Dwayne Johnson and Tyrese Gibson Renew Fast and Furious Conflict
The ongoing rivalry between Dwayne Johnson and Tyrese Gibson flared following the delay of Fast and Furious 9 to April 2020, coinciding with news of a spinoff featuring Johnson and Jason Statham. Subsequently, Tyrese threatened to withdraw from Fast 9 if Johnson remained involved. He revealed on The Red Pill podcast that despite speaking with Johnson’s producing partner, he had yet to communicate directly with Johnson, saying,
“I have yet to talk to The Rock to this day, and we will have a conversation.”
He admitted,
“I found myself being the messenger on behalf of various people associated to the franchise, but stupid me was the only one who went public about those feelings, which is my own fault. It’s not professional, it’s not cool.”
Taylor Swift and Katy Perry End Longstanding Feud
After years of conflict, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry reconciled when Perry sent Swift an olive branch ahead of Swift’s Reputation Tour, a gesture Swift shared on Instagram saying,
“So I just got to my dressing room and found this actual olive branch. This mean so much.”
The caption expressed her gratitude: “Thank you Katy.”
Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker’s Prolonged Rift
Rumors of tension between Sex and the City costars Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker reignited after Kim declined to return for a third film and criticized Parker. Parker expressed heartbreak in a 2017 interview with Andy Cohen, saying,
“Just…heartbroken. I mean that whole week, you and I spoke about it because I was just…I don’t know I found it really upsetting because that’s, you know, that’s not the way I recall our experience.”
She emphasized the importance of their shared experience, calling it a “privileged” time despite the strain. Although they didn’t film scenes together again, Kim made a small appearance in the series revival And Just Like That.
Elton John and Madonna’s Longstanding Disagreement
Since 2004, Elton John and Madonna have maintained a public feud. During the Q Awards that year, Elton disparaged Madonna’s live performances, stating,
“Madonna, best f–king live act? F–k off! Since when has lip-syncing been live? Sorry about that, but I think everyone who lip-syncs in public on stage, when you pay like 75 quid to see them, should be shot.”
Shonda Rhimes and Katherine Heigl Clash Over Emmy Controversy
In 2008, Katherine Heigl sparked conflict with Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes after withdrawing herself from Emmy consideration, citing she wasn’t
“given the material to warrant a nomination.”
Shonda reflected on the decision in a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, stating,
“On some level it stung and on some level I was not surprised. When people show you who they are, believe them. I carry that [mantra] with me a lot. It has served me well.”
Nicki Minaj and Cardi B’s Fiery Fashion Week Altercation
The dramatic confrontation between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B at Harper’s Bazaar Icon party during New York Fashion Week captured widespread attention. Cardi explained months later that Nicki had been taking “a lot of shots” at her despite prior attempts at reconciliation. The fight was allegedly triggered by Nicki liking and then unliking a tweet questioning Cardi’s parenting, which Nicki denied. Cardi defended her dedication, declaring,
“I was going to make millions off my Bruno Mars tour, and I sacrificed that to stay with my daughter. I love my daughter. I’m a good-ass f–king mom. So for somebody that don’t have a child to like that comment? So many people want to say that party wasn’t the time or the place, but I’m not going to catch another artist in the grocery store or down the block.”
Kanye West and Taylor Swift’s Turbulent History Resurfaces
The infamous conflict between Kanye West and Taylor Swift began in 2009 when Kanye interrupted Swift’s MTV VMA acceptance speech. Though they reconciled and befriended each other for a time, tensions reignited in 2026 following Kanye’s controversial song “Famous,” which referenced Swift. In early 2025, Kanye stirred speculation by following only Taylor on Instagram one day before the Grammys. Taylor did not publicly respond.
Mariah Carey’s Notorious Dismissal of Jennifer Lopez
The long-running feud between Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez dates back over 15 years, originating from a public interview in which Mariah shrugged off Lopez with the remark, “I don’t know her.”
#ChrisPratt calls the buzz around AI actress Tilly Norwood “bullshit”: “I’ve never seen her in a movie. I don’t know who this bitch is.” pic.twitter.com/eLJp68qR7U
— Variety (@Variety) January 21, 2026
