And when they come along, perhaps they will cast virtual actors as the stars.

They also used 2,000 live actors to create a computer-generated crowd of 35,000 virtual actors that had to look believable and react to fight scenes.

If we could just fine-tune the scene design, we've already got the virtual actors for the roles I can't fill.

Using virtual actors frees you up to film stories that would be too dangerous for live action - there's no need for stunt doubles.

And virtual actors are getting very good with body language.

Although single virtual actors can help train individuals, some organizations are using virtual humans in groups to try to model crowd psychology.

A person's emotional state could then be duplicated by manipulating the muscles of a virtual actor according to the formula.

The situation will only grow more complex, Mr. Beard said, if virtual actors gain artificial intelligence and become autonomous.

It's high-tech Shakespeare in this Montreal production, which includes virtual and real actors (1:40).

By the 21st century, virtual actors had become a reality.