China’s First AI Actor Officially Debuts, Perfect Features Spark Claims of “Blending Four Celebrities,” Triggering Backlash

(Beijing, 19th) China’s film and television industry is rapidly embracing AI technology, with rumors suggesting that supporting roles may soon be replaced by AI actors—sparking widespread debate. At the same time, production company Youhug Media officially introduced two AI-generated actors, Lin Xiyan and Qin Lingyue, who have already launched accounts on Xiaohongshu and Douyin.

While their polished appearances drew initial attention, controversy quickly followed. Many netizens accused the AI designs of combining facial features from real celebrities.

Lin Xiyan was speculated to resemble a blend of Zhao Jinmai, Zhang Zifeng, and Liang Jie, while Qin Lingyue was said to closely resemble Zhai Zilu. These claims have raised concerns about potential image rights violations.

The emergence of AI actors has also triggered broader discussions about the future of the industry. Critics worry about job displacement and question whether AI can match human acting skills, while others argue that AI actors offer advantages such as lower costs and zero risk of scandals.

Overall, the debate has expanded beyond technology into ethical, legal, and economic implications, making AI actors one of the most talked-about developments in the entertainment industry.