Kevin O’Leary Thinks AI Can Replace Background Extras (and Kevin O’Leary)

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Kevin O’Leary, known from Shark Tank, has proposed a radical idea for filmmaking: replacing background actors with AI. He even suggested using 100 digital versions of Tilly Norwood. During an appearance on The Hill’s World of Travel podcast, O’Leary enthusiastically discussed AI, though he stumbled over some names. He believes the use of AI could significantly cut costs, pointing to the expense of employing as many as 150 extras for a single scene. He argues that since these extras aren’t central to the story, AI agents could easily fill their roles. O’Leary envisions a movie filled with digital background characters – perhaps one in a striking red dress – and jokingly imagined a dramatic, unexpected twist involving one of them being ‘shot’ by another AI agent.

As a film buff, I’m fascinated by how AI is starting to impact everything, and Kevin O’Leary – Shark Tank’s Mr. Wonderful – is all in. He argues that in certain situations, like using background actors, AI is practically indistinguishable from the real thing. He even joked about filling a scene with ‘100 Norwell Tillies’ – that’s Tilly Norwood, the AI actress that’s been causing a stir with the actors’ union. He also mentioned an AI band called ‘Velvet Sunset’ (which I think he meant was The Velvet Sundown!). But it gets even weirder – there’s now an AI version of himself! They created it in Abu Dhabi, and he’s heading back soon to refine the model even further, even looking into becoming a citizen of the UAE to really focus on this AI work. He wants ‘AI Kevin’ to sound absolutely perfect, so perfect you won’t be able to tell the difference. And that’s when he asks the big question: why pay me when you have an AI that can do the job just as well?

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2025-10-23 02:54