Val Kilmer Returns to the Screen with AI-Generated Performance

Five years after his passing, the late actor Val Kilmer will posthumously star in the upcoming indie film As Deep as the Grave, thanks to the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). The project, initially conceived in 2020, allows Kilmer to fulfill his originally intended role despite his battle with throat cancer and his death in April 2025.

A Role Designed for Kilmer

Kilmer was originally cast as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, in As Deep as the Grave. Writer-director Coerte Voorhees specifically envisioned Kilmer for the part, noting that it drew upon the actor’s Native American heritage and his connection to the Southwest. “He was the actor I wanted to play this role,” Voorhees explained to Variety. “It was very much designed around him.”

AI Resurrection with Family Blessing

Due to Kilmer’s declining health, he was unable to film any scenes before his death. However, Voorhees remained determined to include him in the film, ultimately utilizing state-of-the-art generative AI to recreate his performance. This decision was made in close collaboration with Kilmer’s family, including his daughter Mercedes and son Jack, who fully supported the project. CBS News reports that the family believed Kilmer would have wanted to be a part of the film, recognizing its importance to him.

Addressing Controversy

Voorhees acknowledged the potential for controversy surrounding the use of AI to resurrect a deceased actor. However, he felt confident in moving forward after learning how much the project meant to Kilmer. “Despite the fact some people might call it controversial, this is what Val wanted,” Voorhees stated in a Variety interview. The film explores the true story of Southwestern archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris and their excavations in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, as they trace the history of the Navajo people.

The Future of AI in Film

This project marks a significant moment in the intersection of AI and filmmaking, raising questions about the future of performance and the possibilities of bringing actors back to the screen even after their passing. CBR notes that the use of AI in this context is likely to spark debate within the industry and among audiences.