Indie Film 'As Deep as the Grave' to Feature AI-Rendered Val Kilmer

Filmmakers debut first look at digital recreation of late actor in upcoming historical drama

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, high-contrast close-up photograph of shimmering, textured film reel material in rich metallic tones, conveying the technical innovation and cinematic glamour of the movie industry.The cutting-edge technology behind 'As Deep as the Grave' aims to resurrect a late star's legacy through a digital performance.Las Vegas Today

The filmmakers behind the indie film 'As Deep as the Grave' debuted the first trailer for their movie, which features an AI-rendered version of the late actor Val Kilmer in a prominent role. Kilmer, who died in 2022, had originally signed on to the project years ago, but had to drop out due to health issues. The production decided to move forward using an AI-generated performance, working closely with Kilmer's estate and following guidelines from the actors' union.

Why it matters

The use of AI to recreate deceased actors for new performances has been a controversial topic in the film industry. This project represents one of the first major examples of this technology being deployed, raising questions about the ethics, legality, and artistic merits of such digital resurrections.

The details

The trailer shows Kilmer's character, Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, at various ages. Writer-director Coerte Voorhees said they worked with Kilmer's children and the Screen Actors Guild to ensure the process was done ethically, including obtaining consent, providing compensation, and collaborating with Kilmer's estate. They also compared it to actors portraying historical figures, noting Kilmer had previously played Jim Morrison.

  • Kilmer died in 2022 at the age of 65 from pneumonia.
  • The production of 'As Deep as the Grave' began shooting in New Mexico in the fall of 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The filmmakers debuted the first trailer for the movie at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 15, 2026.

The players

Val Kilmer

An American actor who died in 2022 at the age of 65. Kilmer had originally signed on to star in 'As Deep as the Grave' before having to drop out due to health issues.

Coerte Voorhees

The writer and director of 'As Deep as the Grave', who spoke about the decision to use an AI-rendered version of Kilmer in the film.

John Voorhees

The producer of 'As Deep as the Grave', who discussed the guidelines and process for using AI to recreate Kilmer's performance.

Mercedes Kilmer

Val Kilmer's daughter, who gave permission for her father's digital replication in the film.

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

The actors' union that provided guidelines for the filmmakers to follow in using an AI-rendered version of Val Kilmer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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, *As Deep as the Grave*

“We were so glad they were so excited and so supportive of the idea. We didn't want to do it unless everybody thought this was going to work properly.”

— Coerte Voorhees, Writer-Director, *As Deep as the Grave*

What’s next

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

The takeaway

The use of AI to recreate deceased actors for new performances is a controversial and uncharted territory in the film industry. This project represents one of the first major examples, raising ethical questions about consent, compensation, and the artistic merits of such digital resurrections.