Val Kilmer is returning to the big screen in a posthumous performance generated entirely by artificial intelligence, a development that pushes the boundaries of technology in filmmaking. The first trailer for the historical drama "As Deep as the Grave," unveiled at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, features a "digitally recreated likeness" of the late actor, who died in 2025. The project represents a significant leap from prior uses of AI for voice synthesis, creating a complete, on-screen character for what filmmakers say is more than an hour of screen time, and setting a new precedent for posthumous performances.
How Generative AI Brought Kilmer Back to the Screen
Kilmer was originally cast as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, five years before his death, but his battle with throat cancer made him too ill to ever make it to the set. According to the film’s writer and director, Coerte Voorhees, the role was "very much designed around him," drawing on Kilmer's own Native American heritage and his love for the Southwest. The independent production faced significant hurdles, including shutdowns from the COVID-19 pandemic that stretched its timeline to six years.
Initially, the filmmakers cut scenes involving Father Fintan due to budget and time constraints. However, upon reviewing the footage, they realized the character was a "major missing element" essential to the narrative. "Normally we would just recast an actor," Voorhees explained to Variety. "But we can’t roll camera again. We don’t have the budget. We’re not a big studio film." This led them to an innovative solution. With the full approval of Kilmer's estate, the production used generative AI to complete the performance. According to IndieWire, the AI model was developed by studying Kilmer's work in past films, specifically "Heat" and "Batman Forever," while other reports note the family provided archival and behind-the-scenes footage to aid in the creation of his digital likeness.
Comparing AI Performances: 'As Deep as the Grave' vs. 'Top Gun: Maverick'
While Val Kilmer had previously utilized AI to reclaim his voice, its application in "As Deep as the Grave" marks a new frontier for the technology by creating a full visual and vocal performance. In 2022's "Top Gun: Maverick," Kilmer partnered with the company Sonantic to create an AI-powered speaking voice after throat cancer made it difficult for others to understand him. At the time, he called the chance to narrate his story in a familiar voice "an incredibly special gift." That work, however, augmented his physical on-screen presence. The new film goes a step further by generating his entire performance from archival data. The following table compares the two distinct uses of AI in his recent film work.
| AI Application | 'As Deep as the Grave' | 'Top Gun: Maverick' |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Performance | A full, on-screen digital likeness was created, including both visual and vocal elements for a character appearing for over an hour. | AI synthesized a speaking voice to complement the actor's physical on-screen presence after he had lost his natural voice. |
| Source Material | The AI was trained using family archives and Kilmer's prior film work, specifically "Heat" and "Batman Forever." | Kilmer partnered with the technology company Sonantic to create an AI-powered speaking voice. |
| Stated Purpose | To allow Kilmer to star in the film after illness prevented him from shooting and to overcome an independent film's budget constraints. | To enable Kilmer to reprise his role as Tom "Iceman" Kazansky and deliver lines in character despite his health condition. |
Navigating the Ethical Landscape
Amid a heated industry debate over the use of artificial intelligence, the creators of "As Deep as the Grave" maintain their project demonstrates how the technology can be used ethically. The filmmakers acknowledged the potential for criticism but emphasized a framework built on consent and collaboration. The production secured the full approval of Kilmer's estate, including his daughter Mercedes Kilmer. In a statement, she said her father "always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling," adding that the film honors this spirit, as her father was an "integral part" of the project from the beginning.
Furthermore, the filmmakers stated that they followed SAG guidelines and compensated Kilmer's estate for his appearance, addressing both labor standards and financial rights. "We're, in this project, demonstrating what we think is a good way to appropriately handle a performance like this in an ethical way," producer John Voorhees told ABC News. He framed the effort as a fulfillment of the actor's original commitment, made possible through "the collaboration of the family, and true to what Val wanted to do when he gave this permission."
Implications for Future Film Production
Filmmakers considering AI for actor performances must secure estate approval and adhere to evolving industry guidelines to navigate ethical concerns and production challenges. The case of "As Deep as the Grave" establishes a potential framework for posthumous performances, but it also highlights the complex intersection of technology, artistry, and actors' rights. The project's reliance on family consent and existing union guidelines may serve as a model, particularly for independent productions facing unforeseen obstacles. The industry will now watch for the release of official SAG-AFTRA guidelines for digital likenesses or subsequent film productions utilizing similar full AI performances to see how these standards evolve.
