AI Brings Back Val Kilmer in New Film 'As Deep as the Grave'

The movie uses AI to recreate the late actor's image and voice, sparking debate about the ethics of digital resurrection in cinema.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:21am

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In a groundbreaking move, the upcoming film 'As Deep as the Grave' will feature a digital recreation of the late actor Val Kilmer, who passed away in 2025. The film, which had been in development for years, decided to use AI technology to bring Kilmer's character to life after his death, with the full support of his family. The move has sparked ongoing discussions about the ethical implications of using AI to resurrect deceased performers in cinema.

Why it matters

The use of AI in filmmaking, particularly to recreate the likenesses of deceased actors, raises important questions about the boundaries of technology in creative expression. While the Kilmer family has endorsed this approach, the broader film industry must grapple with issues of consent, personal rights, and the potential replacement of human performers by virtual actors.

The details

The film 'As Deep as the Grave' had been in development for years, but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The movie, which was specifically crafted for Kilmer, features the actor portraying a Native American Catholic priest, a role deeply connected to his own cultural identity and spiritual background. After Kilmer's passing in 2025, the filmmakers decided to use AI to recreate his image and voice, drawing on data provided by his family, including images from his youth and later years, as well as his real voice after his tracheal surgery.

  • The film 'As Deep as the Grave' had been in development for years, but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Val Kilmer passed away in 2025.

The players

Coerte Voorhees

The director and screenwriter of 'As Deep as the Grave', who explained that the character was specifically crafted for Kilmer, drawing on his ties to the American Southwest and his Native heritage.

Val Kilmer

The acclaimed actor who passed away in 2025, and whose image and voice were digitally recreated for the film 'As Deep as the Grave'.

Kilmer's family

They have expressed full support for the use of AI to recreate Kilmer's presence in the film, as he had always been open to emerging technologies and believed that AI could expand storytelling possibilities in cinema.

SAG-AFTRA

The organization that has emphasized the need for transparency, ethical standards, and clear consent when using an artist's likeness or voice, and has instructed that 'consent not obtained before death must be obtained from an authorized representative or the union'.

Tilly Norwood

A virtual actor developed by Xicoia, whose emergence has intensified concerns about AI potentially replacing human performers.

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What they’re saying

“He was the actor I wanted to play this role.”

— Coerte Voorhees, Director and screenwriter of 'As Deep as the Grave'

“Kilmer had always been open to emerging technologies and believed that AI could expand storytelling possibilities in cinema rather than replace human creativity.”

— Kilmer's daughter

What’s next

The film 'As Deep as the Grave' is expected to be a test case for the future of cinema, as the industry continues to grapple with the ethical implications of using AI to recreate the likenesses of deceased performers.

The takeaway

The use of AI to recreate Val Kilmer's image and voice in 'As Deep as the Grave' highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the ethical boundaries of technology in creative expression. While the Kilmer family has endorsed this approach, the broader film industry must carefully consider the implications of digital resurrection and the potential replacement of human performers by virtual actors.