Hollywood is officially entering a new era of digital stardom. AI talent studio Xicoia announced on March 2, 2026, that it is expanding its virtual roster with the launch of the “Tillyverse.” This digital ecosystem is built around the company’s flagship synthetic actress, Tilly Norwood, and will eventually feature an entire cast of AI-generated performers designed for scripted entertainment.

To lead this ambitious leap into the future of film and television, Xicoia has tapped veteran media executive Mark Whelan. Whelan, who previously served as a senior executive at Amazon Prime Video, joins the company as the Head of Strategy and Operations at Xicoia. His primary mission is to develop scalable intellectual property and narrative content starring these virtual actors, moving them beyond short-form clips and into full-scale digital productions.

The “Tillyverse” aims to redefine how audiences interact with celebrity by creating persistent, 24/7 digital personas that never age. According to Gizmodo and the Los Angeles Times, the expansion includes plans for interactive fan experiences and cross-platform storytelling. By blending traditional Hollywood production standards with cutting-edge AI, Xicoia and Whelan are betting that the next generation of blockbuster icons will be entirely synthetic.