Val Kilmer’s Digital Resurrection: AI Brings Actor Back to the Screen
Val Kilmer, the celebrated actor known for roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, passed away in April 2025. However, thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence, Kilmer will return to the screen in the upcoming film As Deep as the Grave. An AI-generated version of Kilmer will portray Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, in the fact-based drama.
A Role Designed for Kilmer
Director and writer Coerte Voorhees explained that the role of Father Fintan was specifically created with Kilmer in mind. “He was the actor I wanted to play this role,” Voorhees told Variety. “It drew on his Native American heritage and his ties to and love of the Southwest.” Kilmer was originally cast in the role in 2020, five years before his death, but his battle with throat cancer prevented him from filming.
AI Technology and Family Support
Despite Kilmer’s passing, Voorhees was determined to realize his vision. He utilized state-of-the-art generative AI technology to recreate Kilmer for the film. This decision was made with the full support of Kilmer’s estate and his children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer. “His family kept saying how critical they thought the movie was and that Val really wanted to be a part of this,” Voorhees stated. Mercedes Kilmer noted that her father “always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling,” Variety reported.
Addressing Controversy and Technical Details
Voorhees acknowledged that using AI to resurrect a deceased actor is a “controversial” move. However, he emphasized that it was Kilmer’s wish to be involved in the project. The production adhered to SAG guidelines regarding AI technology and ensured the Kilmer estate was appropriately compensated. The AI version of Kilmer was constructed using a combination of younger images and footage from his later years, allowing for the portrayal of the character at different stages of his life. The AI voice was created from recordings of Kilmer made during his final years, a fitting choice given that the character of Father Fintan also suffered from a damaged voice due to tuberculosis.
Kilmer’s Previous AI Voice Work
This isn’t Kilmer’s first foray into AI-assisted voice work. In 2022, he collaborated with Sonantic to create an AI-powered speaking voice for his reprisal of the role of Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick. At the time, Kilmer expressed his gratitude for the technology, stating, “The chance to narrate my story, in a voice that feels authentic and familiar, is an incredibly special gift.”
The Future of Digital Resurrection in Film
The use of AI to bring back actors raises complex ethical and artistic questions. As Deep as the Grave represents a significant step in exploring the possibilities – and potential controversies – of this technology. As AI continues to evolve, it’s likely we’ll see more instances of digital resurrection in the film industry, prompting ongoing discussions about the boundaries of performance and the legacy of actors.