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AI-Generated Val Kilmer Performance Debuts at CinemaCon for “As Deep as the Grave”
Filmmakers behind the indie film “As Deep as the Grave” unveiled the first glimpse of an AI-rendered Val Kilmer at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Wednesday, showcasing their controversial decision to digitally recreate the late actor for a substantial role in the upcoming historical drama.
The trailer features Kilmer’s character, Father Fintan—a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist—delivering the haunting line: “Don’t fear the dead and don’t fear me.” The digital recreation depicts the character at various ages throughout the film.
Kilmer, who passed away last year at age 65 from pneumonia complications, appears posthumously in what has become one of the industry’s most debated uses of artificial intelligence technology. According to writer-director Coerte Voorhees, who presented alongside his brother and co-producer John at the industry event, Kilmer’s digital likeness will appear on screen for approximately one hour and 17 minutes in the finished film.
“Val Kilmer influenced this performance,” Coerte Voorhees carefully stated, stopping short of calling it a true Kilmer performance—a nuanced distinction in the emerging ethical landscape surrounding AI recreations of deceased performers.
The Voorhees brothers defended their approach by emphasizing their adherence to what they described as Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) guidelines, which John Voorhees summarized as “consent, compensation and collaboration.” The filmmakers secured permission from Kilmer’s estate, including his daughter Mercedes Kilmer, who along with her brother Jack provided archival footage to assist the digital recreation process.
“We were so glad they were so excited and so supportive of the idea,” Coerte Voorhees said. “We didn’t want to do it unless everybody thought this was going to work properly.”
The production team explained that Kilmer had originally signed on to the project years ago, with much of the film structured around his character. When health issues forced him to withdraw shortly before filming began in New Mexico during the pandemic-affected fall of 2020, the filmmakers initially attempted to proceed without the character rather than recasting the role. However, they later determined that Father Fintan was essential to the narrative, leading them to approach Kilmer’s children about the possibility of a digital recreation.
The filmmakers compared Kilmer’s AI-rendered performance to traditional portrayals of historical figures, drawing parallels to Kilmer’s own portrayal of Jim Morrison in “The Doors.” They also noted that Kilmer himself had embraced AI technology during his lifetime, using voice synthesis software to recreate his natural speaking voice after losing it following throat cancer treatment and two tracheotomies. His voice was similarly enhanced digitally for his final screen appearance in “Top Gun: Maverick.”
This project enters the film industry at a critical moment when AI’s role in entertainment is being intensely scrutinized. Hollywood has recently experienced significant labor disputes centered on AI usage, with actors and writers securing protections against unauthorized digital replications in their latest union contracts.
“As Deep as the Grave” follows archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, with Kilmer’s character playing a significant supporting role. The filmmakers plan to release the completed film later this year, though they did not announce a specific premiere date at the CinemaCon presentation.
The project represents one of the most high-profile examples yet of posthumous digital recreation in a feature film, potentially establishing precedents for how such technologies might be ethically deployed in future productions with the consent and involvement of performers’ estates.
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17 Comments
Bringing back deceased actors through AI is a fascinating but ethically fraught proposition. While the technical achievement is noteworthy, I have concerns about the potential for exploitation and the ability to faithfully recreate an actor’s performance and persona.
Agreed. The filmmakers will need to tread carefully to avoid backlash and ensure they honor Kilmer’s legacy in a thoughtful and respectful manner.
Fascinating to see AI-generated performances being leveraged in filmmaking. While controversial, it could open up new creative possibilities if done thoughtfully and with respect. Curious to see how this Val Kilmer movie turns out.
I share your curiosity. The use of AI to recreate late actors raises ethical questions, but could also allow for unique storytelling if handled sensitively.
Digital resurrection of deceased actors is a fascinating but complex issue. On one hand, it could preserve legacies. On the other, it raises privacy and consent concerns. I’m eager to see how this Val Kilmer project navigates those challenges.
An AI-generated Val Kilmer performance – it’s an intriguing concept, but one that raises serious ethical questions. While the technical feat is impressive, I worry about the implications of digitally resurrecting deceased actors without their consent. Cautious optimism is warranted here.
Interesting to see the industry exploring new frontiers with AI-powered digital performances. However, the use of a deceased actor’s likeness raises complex questions around consent, privacy, and authenticity. I’ll be closely following how this Val Kilmer project unfolds.
Well said. The technical advancements are impressive, but the ethical considerations deserve careful scrutiny. Navigating this new territory will require a delicate touch.
Using AI to bring back deceased actors is a fascinating but ethically fraught concept. While the technical feat is impressive, I worry it could open the door to exploiting actors’ likenesses without consent. Cautious optimism is warranted here.
The prospect of an AI-generated Val Kilmer performance is certainly thought-provoking, but also unsettling. While the filmmakers claim to have Kilmer’s influence, I wonder if a digital recreation can truly capture the nuance and essence of a renowned actor.
As a fan of Val Kilmer’s work, I’m intrigued by this innovative approach, but also apprehensive. Recreating a late actor’s performance through AI is uncharted territory, and I hope the filmmakers handle it with the utmost care and respect.
Well said. Honoring the actor’s legacy while pushing creative boundaries is a delicate balance. I’ll be closely watching to see if they strike the right tone.
This is a bold and potentially divisive move by the filmmakers. While AI-generated performances may have technical merits, I wonder if they can truly capture the essence and nuance of an actor like Val Kilmer.
A fair point. The article notes they are stopping short of calling it a ‘true Kilmer performance’, which suggests they recognize the limitations. Time will tell if they strike the right balance.
An AI-generated Val Kilmer performance – both fascinating and unsettling. While the technical achievement is noteworthy, I have concerns about the ethical implications and whether it can truly capture the essence of the late actor.
This is a bold and potentially controversial move by the filmmakers. While the prospect of seeing a digital Val Kilmer performance is intriguing, I hope they approach it with the utmost sensitivity and respect for the late actor’s legacy.
Agreed. Restoring deceased actors through AI is uncharted territory, and the filmmakers will need to navigate it thoughtfully to avoid backlash or exploitation.