An AI-rendered Val Kilmer will posthumously appear in a new film A generative AI version of Val Kilmer will appear in a new film, marking one of the most significant uses of artificial intelligence in the film industry so far. First Line Films announced Wednesday that Kilmer has been digitally recreated to co-star in the independent project titled “As Deep as the Grave.” The producers explained that Kilmer had initially signed on to perform in the film but was unable to due to his declining health. His estate granted permission for the digital replication and is being compensated for its use. Mercedes Kilmer, the actor’s daughter, expressed support for the project, noting that her father had always viewed emerging technologies as tools to expand storytelling possibilities. She stated, “This spirit is something that we are all honoring within this specific film, of which he was an integral part.” Kilmer, who died in April 2023 at the age of 65 from pneumonia, had previously faced health challenges. In 2014, he was diagnosed with throat cancer and required two tracheotomies, which left him unable to speak naturally. To preserve his voice, he collaborated with an AI software company to digitally recreate his voice. This technology was used in his final screen role, the 2022 film “Top Gun: Maverick,” where his voice was digitally altered. The actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, has expressed concerns about the use of AI-generated performers, particularly in cases involving deceased actors. While the union has regulations for the use of digital replicas, its guidelines require explicit consent from performers or their authorized representatives. In a statement, SAG-AFTRA emphasized that “consent not obtained before death must be obtained from an authorized representative or the union.#sag_aftra #mercedes_kilmer #val_kilmer #first_line_films #ann_morris
Val Kilmer Resurrected by AI to Star in ‘As Deep as the Grave’ Movie — First Look Val Kilmer, who passed away in 2025, was cast as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, in the film As Deep as the Grave five years before his death. However, Kilmer, who was battling throat cancer, was unable to film any scenes due to his deteriorating health. The film’s writer and director, Coerte Voorhees, expressed that Kilmer was the ideal choice for the role, which was tailored to his heritage and connection to the American Southwest. “He was the actor I wanted to play this role,” Voorhees said. “It was very much designed around him.” Despite being ready to shoot, Kilmer’s medical condition prevented him from participating. To honor Kilmer’s vision, Voorhees and the film’s producers used generative AI to bring the actor’s likeness to the screen. The project received support from Kilmer’s estate, his daughter Mercedes, and his son Jack. “His family kept saying how important they thought the movie was and that Val really wanted to be a part of this,” Voorhees explained. “It was that support that gave me the confidence to say, okay let’s do this.” The film, which was previously titled Canyon of the Grave, is based on the true story of archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, who explored Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, to uncover the history of the Navajo people. Kilmer’s character, a priest with tuberculosis, mirrors his real-life struggle with throat cancer. The film’s production faced significant challenges, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which stretched the project to six years. At one point, scenes featuring Father Fintan were cut due to budget and time constraints, but the filmmakers later decided to restore them to complete the narrative.#val_kilmer #coerte_voorhees #as_deep_as_the_grave #canyon_de_chelly #mercedes_kilmer
