AI-Rendered Val Kilmer Debuts in 'As Deep as the Grave' Trailer

The indie film is using an AI-generated version of the late actor in a prominent role.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:35pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass reflecting dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the technical and ethical complexities of using AI to recreate a deceased actor's performance.The innovative use of AI technology to recreate the late Val Kilmer's performance in 'As Deep as the Grave' has sparked both excitement and controversy in the film industry.Las Vegas Today

The filmmakers behind the indie film 'As Deep as the Grave' have used artificial intelligence to recreate the late actor Val Kilmer in a prominent role. The film debuted a first look at the AI-rendered Kilmer during a panel at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Kilmer, who died last year at age 65, had originally signed on to the film years ago, but had to pull out due to health issues. The filmmakers decided to proceed with the AI recreation of Kilmer's character, Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, after getting permission from Kilmer's estate and the actors union.

Why it matters

The use of generative AI to recreate deceased actors for films has become a controversial topic in the entertainment industry. This project is one of the first high-profile examples of this technology being used, raising questions about the ethics, legality, and creative implications of digitally resurrecting performers. The filmmakers have emphasized that they followed guidelines around consent, compensation, and collaboration with Kilmer's family and the actors union.

The details

The trailer shows Kilmer's AI-rendered character at various ages throughout the historical drama, which is based on the work of archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris. Writer-director Coerte Voorhees, along with his brother and producer John Voorhees, spoke about their decision to use the technology, stating that they felt they had done it ethically. They compared it to any actor portraying a historical figure on screen, noting that Kilmer himself had done this in the past with his portrayal of Jim Morrison in 'The Doors'. The filmmakers also revealed that Kilmer had utilized AI to digitally recreate his own voice after losing it following a throat cancer diagnosis.

  • Kilmer originally signed on to 'As Deep as the Grave' years ago.
  • Kilmer had to pull out of the film at the last minute due to health issues.
  • The production began shooting in New Mexico in the fall of 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The filmmakers decided to proceed with an AI-rendered version of Kilmer's character after realizing the story really needed Father Fintan.
  • The trailer for 'As Deep as the Grave' debuted at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 15, 2026.

The players

Val Kilmer

The late American actor who is being recreated using AI technology for a prominent role in the film 'As Deep as the Grave'.

Coerte Voorhees

The writer and director of 'As Deep as the Grave', who spoke about the decision to use AI to recreate Kilmer's performance.

John Voorhees

The producer of 'As Deep as the Grave' and Coerte Voorhees' brother, who also spoke about the use of AI in the film.

Mercedes Kilmer

Val Kilmer's daughter, who gave permission for her father's digital replication and provided archival footage to help the process.

Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)

The actors union that provided guidelines around consent, compensation, and collaboration that the filmmakers followed in using AI to recreate Kilmer's performance.

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What they’re saying

“Don't fear the dead and don't fear me.”

— Val Kilmer, as Father Fintan

“Val Kilmer influenced this performance.”

— Coerte Voorhees, Writer-director

“The use of AI actors based on real people is risky territory for anyone to venture into but we followed guidelines from the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists union that boiled down to 'consent, compensation and collaboration'.”

— John Voorhees, Producer

What’s next

The filmmakers plan to release 'As Deep as the Grave' sometime in 2026.

The takeaway

The use of AI technology to recreate deceased actors in films raises complex ethical and creative questions that the makers of 'As Deep as the Grave' are navigating. This project could set a precedent for how the entertainment industry approaches digital resurrection of performers in the future.