AI Version of Val Kilmer Debuts at CinemaCon in New Trailer

Filmmakers defend digital comeback as ethical and emotional.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:25pm

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and glittering film reel textures in high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the digital resurrection of a late Hollywood icon.The digital recreation of Val Kilmer in 'As Deep as the Grave' raises new questions about the ethical use of AI in filmmaking.Las Vegas Today

The creators of the indie film 'As Deep as the Grave' revealed an AI-generated version of the late actor Val Kilmer at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, stirring debate over the use of digital actors. The filmmakers argued their approach was ethical as they had the consent and cooperation of Kilmer's estate, who provided archival footage to guide the performance.

Why it matters

This project could accelerate the use of AI in filmmaking, posing questions about consent, creativity, and control that Hollywood can no longer avoid as digital actors become more prevalent.

The details

The AI recreation of Val Kilmer appears in the new trailer as Father Fintan, a Native spiritualist and Catholic priest. Director Coerte Voorhees and producer John Voorhees said they crafted Kilmer's digital likeness with input from his children and the Screen Actors Guild, and that Kilmer's estate granted consent, was paid, and provided archival footage to guide the performance. They compared the AI depiction to an actor playing a historical figure on screen, as Kilmer once did with Jim Morrison in 'The Doors'.

  • The creators of 'As Deep as the Grave' revealed the AI-generated Val Kilmer at CinemaCon on Wednesday, April 19, 2026.
  • Val Kilmer died last year at the age of 65 from pneumonia.

The players

As Deep as the Grave

An indie film that features an AI-generated version of the late actor Val Kilmer.

Coerte Voorhees

The director of 'As Deep as the Grave' who defended the use of AI to recreate Kilmer's performance.

John Voorhees

The producer of 'As Deep as the Grave' who worked with Coerte Voorhees on the AI-generated Val Kilmer performance.

Val Kilmer

The late actor whose digital likeness appears in 'As Deep as the Grave' after his death.

Mercedes Kilmer

Val Kilmer's daughter, who was involved in approving the use of her father's digital likeness in the film.

Jack Kilmer

Val Kilmer's son, who was involved in approving the use of his father's digital likeness in the film.

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What they’re saying

“Val Kilmer influenced this performance. While the technology brought the portrayal to life, I stop short of calling it truly Kilmer's.”

— Coerte Voorhees, Director, 'As Deep as the Grave'

“We were glad they were excited and supportive. We didn't want to do it unless everybody believed it would work.”

— Coerte Voorhees, Director, 'As Deep as the Grave'

What’s next

The filmmakers have not disclosed the final runtime for 'As Deep as the Grave' but confirmed plans to release the movie this year.

The takeaway

This project highlights the ethical and creative challenges Hollywood faces as digital actors become more prevalent, raising questions about consent, authenticity, and the future of filmmaking.