Why Is Hollywood in Panic Mode?

Courtesy of RealmIQ. Midjourney: Curt Doty

Hollywood, the dream factory, is having a nightmare. From picket lines to pitch meetings, the film industry is gripped by existential dread. But this time, it’s not a new streaming service or box office slump—it’s AI. Artificial Intelligence. Specifically, generative AI tools now capable of creating scenes, scripts, characters, and even performances that were once the exclusive domain of flesh-and-blood artists.

The latest panic centers on AI actress "Tilly"—a photorealistic, emotionally responsive, deep-learning-driven performer some fear could threaten the careers of real actors. But is she really a threat? Or is Hollywood just spinning its wheels in another hype cycle? Let’s look at the facts.