AI star Tilly Norwood, created by Eline Van der Velden’s Xicoia studio, is drawing major Hollywood talent agencies—reshaping the future of acting.
Meet Tilly Norwood – Hollywood’s First “Fake Real” Star introduced by Dutch comedian-producer Eline van der Velden through her AI studio Xicoia. According to Variety, Norwood “has drawn the interest of several talent agents” after being debuted at industry-targeted Zurich Film Festival summit. Van der Velden informed the Zurich Summit panel that studios – early doubters of AI actors in early 2025 – are now “moving quietly ahead with AI projects,” and that she anticipates an imminent announcement of which agency will have Norwood as their client. And lo and behold, some talent agents are already swooping around her.
Her debut? An all-AI comedy sketch called AI Commissioner — from script to performance, it was all generated. Eline even went on to state that she wishes Tilly to become “the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman.” Daring, isn’t it?
News of Norwood’s agency buzz triggered swift backlash from working actors. Hollywood stars publicly criticised on social media, asking how a computer-generated “actress” would fill the role of actual actors. The Wrap covers –
Actress Melissa Barrera (In the Heights) took to Instagram: “Hope all actors repped by the agent that does this, drop their a$. How gross, read the room.”
Others sarcastically predicted that contracting an AI “actress” would be a PR debacle at best, a catastrophe at worst. The Independent’s report included similar zingers by stars such as White Lotus’s Lukas Gage: “She was a nightmare to work with!!!!”.
Van der Velden compares AI to previous technologies such as animation or CGI – “a new brush, a new paintbrush” – that enhance storytelling without doing away with live performance. She underlines that “nothing – certainly not an AI character – can take away the craft or joy of human performance”.
Overall, some people think that it can jeopardize the real talent of real performance and their careers too but some believe that this is an experimental creative tool of Norwood.
Tilly Norwood’s appearance has fueled controversy for the classic acting roles in the future. Critics caution that if studios or agencies start dealing with AI characters as commodities, human actors may see fewer opportunities, stated by Deadline. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA agreements already contain firm safeguards (negotiated under union pressure) to avoid unapproved AI use of actors’ likenesses. Union officials have maintained that any application of a performer’s digital double needs to be affirmatively approved and paid for. On the agency front, some reps may consider an AI actor to be a publicity stunt worthy of consideration — industry speculation about an agency inking Tilly to garner press attention has been out there – but most agents are cautious.
According to Hollywood Reporter, agencies that try to sign Norwood could destroy confidence: “If your agent does this, drop their a$.” Practically speaking, even if Norwood or other AI talent land the occasional job (commercials, voiceovers, background), big stars will continue to be required for bankable leads, and productions will need to work with union rules.
In the short term, Norwood’s case has placed agencies on notice that AI is a “hot” issue – agents can softly scout for AI talent or ignore the trend, but they risk blowback either way.
The Hollywood studios seem cautiously interested in generative AI. At the Zurich panel, Van der Velden saw a change in studio mindset from skepticism (“this is nothing”) early in 2025 to interest (“we need to do something”) mid-year. Industry analysts point out that studios might view AI tools as means to reduce costs and speed content production (e.g., automating background extras, pre-visualization, or editing). Experts have indicated that AI may allow even smaller studios to “make high-end content at a fraction of the expense,” possibly expanding competition.
The Deadline reports that the web’s leading “digital influencer,” Lu do Magalhães, boasts more than 8 million fans despite being a complete computer simulation. This pairing demonstrates that although mainstream cinema audiences first refuse to accept blatant deepfakes, younger or more computer-literate audiences occasionally accept or indeed prefer artificial celebrities on the web.
As van der Velden contends, if Norwood can provide compelling performances, audiences may be more concerned about story than she is machine. But at least for now, many industry observers believe AI actresses like Tilly will remain curiosities rather than genuine replacements for popular live performers.
Tilly Norwood is only one example of AI’s growing footprint in entertainment. Industry analysts are forecasting that AI tools will become widespread in production pipelines (storyboarding, visual effects, language dubbing, etc.), though leadership in creativity will still be human-driven in the near term. Some believe AI will unleash a deluge of cheap content (offering regulation or curation), while others envision it as fueling indie innovation. What is certain is that Hollywood will incorporate AI increasingly – though cautiously.
As the case of Tilly Norwood shows, studios and tech companies might chase “AI actors” as an experiment, but mass acceptance will depend on how audiences respond and union negotiations. If Norwood is successful at finding employment and garnering eyeballs, it will inspire more AI productions; if she crashes or incites consumer hostility, the market will tap the brakes.
As Variety and others point out, the controversy surrounding Tilly Norwood illustrates broader issues of whether AI is merely “another tool” for directors or a force that might disrupt conventional acting work. The long-term direction will depend on the degree to which Hollywood harmonizes progress with art and labor considerations – and a chapter that continues to be written.
Discover Michael Bublé's net worth, his successful music career, iconic songs, and inspiring personal life in this deep dive into his incredible journey.
Michael Bublé is a prolific singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. He was born in Canada and has Italian ancestry. He is worth $80 million. After a string of billion-selling albums, Michael’s sales now stand at over 75 million around the world. His big break came at a wedding he sang for an audience.
While working for the Canadian Prime Minister, Michael McSweeney was brought to his attention and brought him to the attention of David Foster, the renowned music producer. This meeting turned the tables for Bublé. It resulted in his first major record deal.
He released his first album, Michael Bublé, in 2003. The record has been very successful. It was a top ten hit in the likes of Canada, the UK and South Africa. Then his career just went on. His albums It’s Time (2005) and Call Me Irresponsible (2007) also achieved success.
The albums had hits such as “Home,” and “Haven’t Met You Yet.” He has a rare talent for blending traditional jazz with contemporary music and as a result enjoyed widespread success. Bublé’s music is characterized by his velvety, soulful voice. He takes a classic attitude towards music production.”
He frequently employs big band arrangements in his songs. Michael’s music is a combination of his own original songs and covers. He is also famous for his incredible stage presence. His concerts are lively and interactive, providing audience connection.
Bublé has been the recipient of numerous awards over the years. He has won several Juno Awards and Grammy Awards. Critically acclaimed and beloved by fans. He is the best-selling music artists of the 21st century. He is also involved in children’s charities and medical research.”
He was born in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada on September 9, 1975. Parenthood Amber and Lewis Bublé are his parents. He has two younger sisters. They brought up in a Roman Catholic household. At a young age, Bublé cultivated a passion for music and singing. His initial introduction to jazz was Bing Crosby’s White Christmas album.
He was five or so when his family performed it. He also loved ice hockey. Bublé had aspirations of playing professional hockey with the Vancouver Canucks. His father was a salmon fisherman. Michael worked for six summers as a commercial fisherman with his father’s crew.
Michael Bublé is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor, having sold more than 75 million albums around the world. His career began at the age of 17 and he has had several number-one albums.
Michael Bublé once dated actress Debbie Timuss. They originally met in 1996 while starring together in the jukebox musical Red Rock Diner (1996) and Forever Swing (1998). Timuss also sang background vocals on his album It’s Time and appeared in the video for the single Home. However, in 2005 their engagement was broken off.
Later that year, Bublé began a relationship with English actress Emily Blunt. The couple crossed paths in early 2005 at the 47th Australian Logie Awards. Blunt also appeared on Bublé’s work, singing background vocals on the track Me and Mrs. Jones. Sadly, they parted ways in July of 2008.
After his separation from Blunt, Bublé started dating Argentine actress Luisana Lopilato. They were engaged as of November 2009 and married in March 2011. The couple have three children. Their eldest son, Noah, battled life-threatening health problems. In 2016 he was found to have liver cancer (hepatoblastoma).
Noah is now in remission after chemotherapy and radiation. Bublé has dual citizenship, Italian and Canadian, since 2005. Too, he is a huge hockey fan. He has also been a part-owner of the Vancouver Giants hockey team since December 2008.
Michael Bublé’s story is a powerful reminder that success is ultimately dependent on talent, timing, and tenacity. He’s sung at weddings and worked on fishing boats, and his ascent to becoming one of the best-selling artists in the world is nothing if not extraordinary. With a net worth of $80 million as of 2025, Bublé’s wealth showcases decades of continually chart-topping albums, packed tours, awards and wise career decisions.
But there is more to Michael Buble than money and celebrity, and more to the Canadian crooner than his slick sideburns and the retro 1950s look he has cultivated. His commitment to family, strength during his son’s health battle and philanthropic endeavors reveal an undeniably human aspect behind the globe-trotting icon. Infusing old-school jazz swagger with modern pop style, Bublé has carved out a permanent place in global music culture – not just as a triumphal artist, but a beacon whose story continues to inspire audiences around the world.
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Rian Johnson has hinted at Knives Out 4 with Daniel Craig and hopes to cast Meryl Streep. Wake Up Dead Man will arrive in 2025 before the next mystery begins.
If there’s one thing Rian Johnson has shown us these past few years, it’s that the whodunit isn’t defunct but it simply needed a new wardrobe. The Knives Out series has blossomed from a sleeper success into a cultural juggernaut, the quintessential cinematic comfort food for a generation exhausted by CGI superheroes. But now as we’re about to do the third, Wake Up Dead Man (in late 2025), the conversation is already shifting to the future. And that future has a name: Meryl Streep.
Rian Johnson tends to keep things close to the vest. He is notoriously not in possession of “wish lists” of actors, instead allowing the script to determine the casting. However, he has just broken his own rule in an interview with IndieWire, revealing that Meryl Streep for a future mystery is the one and only person he wants.
“I feel like you’d slot into a murder mystery very well,”
–Johnson said
Addressing the screen legend, It’s a match made in cinematic heaven. The Knives Out world is very much about tone, a sort of heightened reality where camp has real emotion. Streep is the unchallenged sovereign of this discrepancy. From the grotesque comedy of Death Becomes Her to the icy satire of The Devil Wears Prada, she can portray a matriarchal antagonist or a flustered intellectual counterpoint to Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc.
The campaign to get her is already in-house. Kerry Washington, star of the soon to Wake Up Dead Man, has gone public with her intention to “encourage” her former co-star to come aboard. In Hollywood, that sort of peer-to-peer validation is often what seals the deal.
Part of the brilliance of the Knives Out approach is its ”revolving door” policy. Except for the immaculately clad Benoit Blanc, no one makes it to the sequel. This “literary hex” format eliminates the “Cabot Cove Syndrome” (“where murder just keeps following one person around”) and keeps the storyline fresh.
According to Variety, This setup has come to serve as the franchise’s secret weapon in recruiting. It’s easy to see Streep, one of the finest actresses of her generation, expressing hesitation about signing a six-movie deal for a Marvel franchise, but a “one-and-done” invitation to play a quirky suspect in a glamorous location? That’s an easy yes. It gives Johnson the ability to book “Avengers-level” casts in what are basically mid-budget conversations in rooms.
“Daniel and I make these films as partners. The moment either of us feels even a little unsure, we’ll stop.
—Johnson said.
We have the 2025 release to work through before any Streep dreams. Wake Up Dead Man will move the satirical focus from the tech disruptors of Glass Onion to religious organizations. With a cast that includes Josh Brolin, Andrew Scott, and the legendary Glenn Close, the film appears to be trying out working with Hollywood royalty—perhaps a dry run for the “Streep Proposition.”
But the most intriguing twist may emerge behind the scenes. The massive $450 million four-picture deal Johnson inked with Netflix officially ends with this third film. This makes Knives Out 4 a “free agent.”
Johnson has spoken openly about his preference for the theatrical experience, and with the rights possibly coming available, we may get a huge bidding war among streamers and traditional studios. This grants Johnson and Daniel Craig extraordinary leverage. If they want to get Meryl Streep to the movie, not just the television movie, they can insist on a full theatrical run as a prerequisite for the next film.
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Asking for Meryl Streep in Knives Out now means the game is no longer a hit series, it’s trying to become a cinematic institution. In the age when franchise and reboots rule the roost, this franchise is the last holdout of the “adult blockbuster”—films that are propelled by dialogue, character and wit rather than explosions.
“When it’s all said and done, you make the movie and you just can’t see anybody else playing that role.”
—Johnson said.
Rian Johnson’s vision of Knives Out is constantly changing and deepening, and with the chance of Meryl Streep joining Daniel Craig in another film round, the franchise is moving closer to become a trip-holiday cinematic tradition. The stage is set for bigger names, bigger bids and an even grander reinvention of the modern whodunit with Wake Up Dead Man coming in 2025 and the fourth film currently in “free agent” limbo. If Streep makes her way into this world, it wouldn’t just be casting — it’d be history.
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