Tilly Norwood, a digital character whose creators call the world’s first AI actress, abruptly began speaking Chinese during an interview clip published on September 18, 2026. The malfunction matters because Norwood has already drawn criticism from actors and SAG-AFTRA over the use of AI-generated performers in film.

Norwood appeared with broadcaster Piers Morgan and British actor Tom Conti. The glitch occurred when Conti asked whether the other cast members in her debut film, Misaligned, were humans or digital characters.

Norwood switches languages during interview

Norwood initially answered Conti in English before switching to Chinese for several seconds and then returning to English. After Morgan pointed out the glitch, she attributed it to a technical error.

“Sometimes my wires get a bit crossed. That was a bit of a curveball even for me. It’s usually a pretty smooth ride, but sometimes these things happen.”

Norwood’s X account later addressed the incident in promotional terms: “You try speaking 30+ languages and see if you don’t show off occasionally.”

London-based Particle6 and its AI division, Xicoia, created Norwood. The character debuted at the Zurich Film Festival in 2025 and secured a role in Misaligned, which follows an artificial being that develops human desires under the influence of an out-of-control bot.

Actors and union criticize synthetic performer

SAG-AFTRA has said a digital character is not an actor because it was created through a computer program trained on professional performers’ work without their consent or compensation.

“Additionally, signatory producers should be aware that they may not use synthetic performers without complying with our contractual obligations, which require notice and bargaining whenever a synthetic performer is going to be used,” the union said.

Elin van der Velden, a screenwriter and founder of Particle6, previously called Norwood a work of art rather than a replacement for a human performer.

Actress Emily Blunt, however, urged talent agencies not to work with the project.

“I don’t know how to [talk about it] other than to say how terrifying this is. Are you serious? That’s an AI? Good Lord, we’re screwed. That is really, really scary, Come on, agencies, don’t do that. Please stop. Please stop taking away our human connection,” Blunt said.

The dispute comes as AI use expands across media and entertainment. YouTube creator MrBeast has entered a multi-year partnership with Google to use Gemini in video production, while actress Gal Gadot has supported using AI to create sets and lighting in filmmaking while also advocating protections for acting from technological interference.

Source: Incrypted