Racquel Palmer Rejects AI Actors: “Don’t Let an AI Actor Come and Take My Job”

As artificial intelligence becomes more common throughout film and television production, Racquel Palmer is drawing a firm line between using AI as a creative tool and allowing it to replace human performers.

The All the Queen’s Men star addressed the debate during an exclusive WorldWide Entertainment TV interview after being asked about Tilly Norwood, the digital character being presented as an AI actress.

Palmer’s initial answer was unequivocal.

“No. It’s a strong no for so many reasons,” she said.

Palmer acknowledged that AI will become increasingly prominent, but argued that fully synthetic actors could prevent talented performers from ever receiving an opportunity.

“There are millions and millions of talented actors that will just never get the chance and the opportunity,” Palmer explained. “What does that look like for them?”

For Palmer, acting is an art form rooted in human training, experience and emotion. She compared replacing actors with artificial performers to putting a robot in a professional basketball game in place of LeBron James.

“What makes his art more different than mine?” she asked.

Her position is not a complete rejection of artificial intelligence. Palmer agreed that AI can assist productions with effects and scenes that might otherwise involve significant costs, logistics or safety concerns. Her objection begins when the technology occupies a role that would otherwise belong to a human performer.

“I agree with him,” Palmer said after hearing an example of AI being used as a production tool. “Just don’t let an AI actor come and take my job. We’re going to have a problem—because I’m real.”

The distinction places Palmer in the middle of a growing entertainment-industry debate: AI may expand what filmmakers can create, but should it ever replace the people whose performances give stories their humanity?

 

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Palmer is also working to create more opportunities for real performers through Palmer House Studios and The Black Box Live, an Atlanta showcase she describes as an “Apollo of the South.” The event is intended to connect emerging actors, musicians, singers and comedians with audiences and entertainment-industry professionals.

WWETV’s full conversation with Racquel Palmer will feature more on AI, the conclusion of All the Queen’s Men, her independent productions and her search for new talent.