Val Kilmer Resurrected by AI for 'As Deep as the Grave' Trailer

Late actor's family cooperates with filmmakers to complete his role using generative AI technology.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:04am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered camera lens reflecting a faint red light, conveying a conceptual sense of the intersection between technology, mortality, and the ethical considerations surrounding the digital resurrection of a deceased performer.The innovative use of AI to resurrect a late actor's performance raises questions about the boundaries of emerging storytelling technologies.Las Vegas Today

The filmmakers behind the upcoming historical drama 'As Deep as the Grave' debuted the first trailer for the film at CinemaCon, showcasing the controversial use of generative AI technology to recreate the late Val Kilmer's performance as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist. Kilmer, who passed away in 2025, had accepted the role years earlier but was unable to complete filming due to his battle with throat cancer. With the cooperation of Kilmer's estate and his daughter Mercedes, the production used archival material to digitally recreate the actor at various ages, portraying both a spectral, ghost-like figure and a dashing, 30-something man of the cloth.

Why it matters

The use of AI to resurrect deceased actors for new roles raises ethical questions about consent, authenticity, and the future of filmmaking. This case highlights the complex issues surrounding the technology, as the Kilmer family has expressed support for the project, stating that the late actor would have embraced the emerging technology as a tool to expand storytelling possibilities.

The details

The trailer for 'As Deep as the Grave' shows Kilmer's character delivering the line 'Don't fear the dead and don't fear me' while kneeling down to look a child in the eyes. Director Coerte Voorhees said the film drew on Kilmer's Native American heritage and his love of the Southwest, and that it was 'very much designed around him.' Producer John Voorhees stated that the production adhered to SAG-AFTRA standards centered on 'consent, compensation, and collaboration,' with the filmmakers compensating Kilmer's estate, which contributed materials for the recreation. Mercedes Kilmer said her father would have wanted to be included, as he 'always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling.'

  • Val Kilmer passed away in 2025 at the age of 65 after battling throat cancer.
  • The 'As Deep as the Grave' trailer was unveiled at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 16, 2026.

The players

Val Kilmer

A late American actor who was known for his roles in films such as 'Top Gun,' 'Batman Forever,' and 'The Doors.' Kilmer accepted the role of Father Fintan in 'As Deep as the Grave' years before his death in 2025, but was unable to complete filming due to his battle with throat cancer.

Mercedes Kilmer

Val Kilmer's daughter, who has expressed support for the use of AI technology to complete her father's performance in 'As Deep as the Grave,' stating that he would have embraced the emerging technology as a tool to expand storytelling possibilities.

Coerte Voorhees

The director of 'As Deep as the Grave,' who stated that the film was 'very much designed around' Val Kilmer and drew on the actor's Native American heritage and love of the Southwest.

John Voorhees

The producer of 'As Deep as the Grave,' who stated that the production adhered to SAG-AFTRA standards centered on 'consent, compensation, and collaboration' when using AI technology to recreate Val Kilmer's performance.

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What they’re saying

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

— Val Kilmer, Actor

“It was very much designed around him. His family kept saying how important they thought the movie was and that Val really wanted to be a part of this.”

— Coerte Voorhees, Director

“He always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling.”

— Mercedes Kilmer, Val Kilmer's Daughter

What’s next

The film 'As Deep as the Grave' is scheduled to be released in theaters later this year, allowing audiences to see the final performance of Val Kilmer brought to life through the use of generative AI technology.

The takeaway

The use of AI to resurrect deceased actors for new roles raises complex ethical questions about consent, authenticity, and the future of filmmaking. However, in this case, the Kilmer family's support for the project and their belief that the late actor would have embraced the emerging technology suggests a nuanced perspective on the issue, highlighting the potential for AI to expand the possibilities of storytelling.