Trending Now - AI Brings Val Kilmer Back to Life for Upcoming Film Role
WHO:
Val Kilmer, late actor
Mercedes Kilmer, daughter of Val Kilmer
First Line Films, production company
Coerte Voorhees, writer-director
John Voorhees, producer
SAG-AFTRA, actors union
Cast members: Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton, Wes Studi, Abigail Breslin
WHAT:
Val Kilmer was cast as Father Fintan in “As Deep as the Grave” five years prior to his death in 2025.
The film was shot several years ago but has been stuck in postproduction due to various delays, including COVID-19 shutdowns.
The filmmakers had initially cut scenes involving Father Fintan for budget reasons but later decided to reintegrate them into the narrative.
The AI version of Kilmer will appear in a "significant part" of the finished film, utilizing both younger images and footage from his final years.
The character in the film also suffers from tuberculosis, mirroring Kilmer's actual condition during his battle with throat cancer.
An AI-generated version of Val Kilmer will co-star in a new film titled “As Deep as the Grave.”
Kilmer's estate has given permission for his digital replication and is being compensated for it.
The film was previously titled “Canyon of the Dead.”
The AI version of Kilmer plays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist.
The film is based on a true story about archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris.
WHERE:
New York, where the announcement was made.
Arizona, where the true story of the film is set.
WHEN:
Val Kilmer died in April 2025 at the age of 65 from pneumonia.
The film is expected to be released in 2026.
Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and required two tracheotomies.
The AI version of Kilmer was created after he lost his natural speaking voice.
WHY:
Coerte Voorhees stated that Kilmer's family believed the movie was important and that he wanted to be part of it, which gave the filmmakers confidence to proceed with the AI representation.
The role resonated with Val Kilmer, who viewed emerging technologies as tools to expand storytelling possibilities.
The filmmakers aim to honor Kilmer's spirit and connection to the project.
HOW:
The production relied on SAG guidelines and compensated Kilmer’s estate for his appearance, aiming to demonstrate ethical use of AI in filmmaking.
The filmmakers followed SAG-AFTRA guidelines for the use of digital replicas, obtaining consent from Kilmer's estate.
The AI software company was used to digitally recreate Kilmer's voice for his final screen performance in “Top Gun: Maverick.”
(UPDATED March 19, 2026 05:25 UTC)
In a significant development, Val Kilmer, who passed away in 2025, was cast as Father Fintan in the film "As Deep as the Grave," which has faced delays in postproduction since it was shot several years ago. Despite initial budget cuts that removed scenes featuring Kilmer's character, filmmakers decided to reintegrate them, and an AI version of Kilmer will play a significant role using both younger footage and clips from his later years. Coerte Voorhees mentioned that Kilmer's family felt the film was important and that he wanted to be involved, leading the production to ethically compensate his estate while adhering to SAG guidelines.
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(UPDATED March 19, 2026 01:25 UTC)
In a groundbreaking announcement made in New York, it was revealed that an AI-generated version of Val Kilmer will co-star in a new film titled “As Deep as the Grave,” which is based on the true story of archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris in Arizona. Kilmer's estate has given permission for his digital replication, and he will portray Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, with his voice recreated using advanced AI technology. The filmmakers, who are following SAG-AFTRA guidelines, aim to honor Kilmer's legacy and connection to the project, as he passed away in April 2025 at the age of 65.