AI-Generated Val Kilmer Performance Debuts in ‘As Deep as the Grave’ Trailer

Five years before his death in 2025, Val Kilmer was cast as Father Fintan in the film “As Deep as the Grave,” a role that reflected his personal connection to Native American spirituality and the American Southwest. Though Kilmer was unable to film his scenes due to advanced throat cancer, his performance has been realized through state-of-the-art generative AI, with the full cooperation of his estate and family.

The AI-generated likeness of Val Kilmer as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, debuted in the official trailer for “As Deep as the Grave” at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The trailer features Kilmer’s digital recreation delivering the line, “Don’t fear the dead, and don’t fear me,” as he appears alongside co-stars Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton, and Abigail Breslin.

According to writer and director Coerte Voorhees, the film was “very much designed around” Kilmer, who had a deep personal and cultural connection to the character. Voorhees stated that Kilmer “immediately identified with the historical southwestern spiritual character of Father Fintan” and understood the importance of telling the story of Ann Morris, the first female archaeologist in North America, whose real-life work is central to the film’s narrative.

The use of AI to resurrect Kilmer’s performance was made possible with the approval of his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, and the support of his son, Jack Kilmer. Voorhees emphasized that the family’s belief in the project’s importance and Kilmer’s own desire to be part of the story gave him confidence to proceed with the digital resurrection, despite acknowledging the controversy surrounding such technology.

“As Deep as the Grave” centers on the true story of archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, who uncovered remains of the Ancestral Puebloans in the 1920s. The film blends historical drama with spiritual themes, positioning Father Fintan as a bridge between cultures and eras.

The debut of Kilmer’s AI-generated performance marks one of the most prominent uses of the technology in a major film role to date, sparking renewed discussion about the ethics and artistic implications of posthumous digital performances in Hollywood.

Key Takeaways

• Val Kilmer’s performance as Father Fintan in “As Deep as the Grave” was created using generative AI after he became too ill to film due to throat cancer.
• The AI-generated likeness debuted in the film’s trailer at CinemaCon in 2026, featuring the line: “Don’t fear the dead, and don’t fear me.”
• Director Coerte Voorhees confirmed the film was written specifically for Kilmer, who had a strong personal connection to the role’s Native American and spiritual themes.
• Kilmer’s estate and family, including his daughter Mercedes Kilmer, supported the use of AI to honor his wish to be part of the project.
• The film is based on the true story of Ann and Earl Morris, pioneering archaeologists who excavated Ancestral Puebloan sites in the 1920s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Val Kilmer able to film any scenes for ‘As Deep as the Grave’ before his death?

No. Although Kilmer was cast in the role of Father Fintan five years before his death in 2025, his advancing throat cancer prevented him from ever arriving on set to film his scenes.

Who authorized the use of AI to recreate Val Kilmer’s performance?

The use of Val Kilmer’s AI-generated likeness was approved by his estate and supported by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, with his son Jack Kilmer as well expressing support for the project.

What is ‘As Deep as the Grave’ about?

The film follows the true story of Ann and Earl Morris, archaeologists who uncovered remains of the Ancestral Puebloans in the 1920s. Val Kilmer’s AI-generated character, Father Fintan, serves as a spiritual guide bridging Catholic and Native American traditions in the narrative.

Where was the trailer for ‘As Deep as the Grave’ first shown?

The official trailer for “As Deep as the Grave” debuted at CinemaCon in Las Vegas in March 2026, where it featured the first public look at Val Kilmer’s AI-generated performance as Father Fintan.