Late Actor Val Kilmer Revived Through AI for New Drama Film

Kilmer's family supports the use of AI to include him in 'As Deep as the Grave' after his death.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:36pm

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An extreme close-up of highly textured, glittering film reel material, shot in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to create a glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic, conceptually representing the controversial use of AI to resurrect a deceased actor for a new movie.The use of AI to bring the late Val Kilmer back to life for a new film has sparked debate over the ethics of this emerging technology in Hollywood.Las Vegas Today

The first trailer for the upcoming drama film 'As Deep as the Grave' has revealed that the late actor Val Kilmer will appear in the movie through the use of AI technology. Kilmer, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 65 after a battle with throat cancer, will play the role of a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist named Father Fintan. The film's director worked closely with Kilmer's family to incorporate the AI-generated likeness, which has sparked discussion within the film community about the ethics and implications of using this technology.

Why it matters

The use of AI to recreate deceased actors in new films is a controversial and uncharted territory that raises ethical questions about consent, authenticity, and the future of filmmaking. This case with Val Kilmer's involvement in 'As Deep as the Grave' will likely set a precedent and serve as a test case for how the industry navigates these issues going forward.

The details

Kilmer was originally cast in 'As Deep as the Grave' years before production began in 2020, but was not healthy enough to perform the role due to his battle with throat cancer. The film's director, Coerte Voorhees, worked closely with Kilmer's family to incorporate an AI-generated likeness of the actor into the movie. Kilmer's children have expressed support for the decision, stating that the late actor was passionate about the project and wanted to be a part of it even after he was physically unable to contribute. The trailer shows Kilmer's AI-generated character, Father Fintan, in multiple scenes, including a final moment where he delivers the line 'Don't fear the dead, and don't fear me.'

  • Val Kilmer passed away in 2025 at the age of 65 after a battle with throat cancer.
  • Principal photography for 'As Deep as the Grave' began in November 2020.

The players

Val Kilmer

A renowned American actor best known for his roles in films like 'Top Gun', 'Tombstone', and 'The Doors'. Kilmer was a proponent of AI technology and its use in filmmaking, and his family has supported the decision to include his AI-generated likeness in 'As Deep as the Grave' after his passing.

Coerte Voorhees

The director and writer of 'As Deep as the Grave', who worked closely with Kilmer's family to incorporate the late actor's AI-generated likeness into the film.

Abigail Lawrie

The actress who will play the role of real-life archaeologist Ann Morris in 'As Deep as the Grave'.

Tom Felton

The actor who will play the role of Earl Morris, Ann Morris's husband and fellow archaeologist, in 'As Deep as the Grave'.

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What they’re saying

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

— Val Kilmer (as Father Fintan)

“Kilmer decided he wanted to be a part of this story even after he was physically unable to contribute.”

— Coerte Voorhees, Director of *As Deep as the Grave*

What’s next

As Deep as the Grave is expected to be released in 2026, but does not have a confirmed release date yet.

The takeaway

The use of AI to recreate deceased actors in new films is a complex and controversial issue that raises ethical questions about consent, authenticity, and the future of the film industry. The case of Val Kilmer's involvement in As Deep as the Grave will likely set an important precedent and serve as a test case for how the industry navigates these challenges going forward.