Val Kilmer's AI Replica Stars in New Film Trailer, Sparking Debate
A newly released trailer has unveiled the first look at an AI-generated likeness of the late actor Val Kilmer, set to appear in the upcoming film As Deep as the Grave. The trailer, which surfaced online this week, features Kilmer in various stages of his life, including a poignant moment where he tells a child, "Don't fear the dead and don't fear me." This digital resurrection comes nearly a year after Kilmer's death from pneumonia in April 2025 at the age of 65.
Film Background and Kilmer's Role
Kilmer was originally cast in 2020 to play Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, in the film previously titled Canyon del Muerto. However, health issues stemming from his 2014 throat cancer diagnosis, including a tracheotomy that cost him his voice, prevented him from shooting. The movie, directed by Coerte Voorhees, tells the real-life story of archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, portrayed by Abigail Lawrie and Tom Felton, as they explore Navajo history and culture in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona.
This is not the first time AI has been used to recreate Kilmer's presence; his voice was digitally restored for his appearance in Top Gun: Maverick. For As Deep as the Grave, director Voorhees approached Kilmer's daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, last year about using AI to complete her father's role, which had been omitted in an earlier version of the film. Mercedes stated that her father felt this omission was a "major missing element."
Family Endorsement and Spiritual Connection
In a statement, Mercedes Kilmer expressed her support for the project, describing her father as a "deeply spiritual man" who was inspired by the film's "story of discovery and enlightenment." She emphasized that Kilmer always viewed emerging technologies with optimism, seeing them as tools to expand storytelling possibilities. "This spirit is something that we are all honoring within this specific film, of which he was an integral part," she added, highlighting the family's approval of the AI usage.
Public Reaction and Broader AI Debate
The trailer has ignited mixed reactions online. On YouTube, comments ranged from enthusiastic support, with one user writing, "Technology done right. Can't wait!" to criticism, such as another noting, "Yikes. Kilmer isn't even lip synced right." This divide reflects a larger, ongoing debate in Hollywood over the ethical use of AI to replicate actors or replace living performers.
Historically, films have turned to digital tools in similar circumstances. For instance, after Paul Walker's death during production of Furious 7 in 2015, CGI and body doubles were used to complete his scenes. More recently, in September last year, Hollywood stars protested when an "AI actress" named Tilly Norwood gained major agency interest. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, involving 160,000 actors, was partly fueled by concerns over AI's growing role in filmmaking.
AI's Expanding Role in Entertainment
Over the past decade, the film and television industry has increasingly adopted AI for various purposes, including de-aging actors, analyzing viewer behavior on streaming platforms, reviving the voices of deceased performers, and even assembling movie trailers. The release of As Deep as the Grave, expected later this year, marks another milestone in this technological evolution, blending artistry with innovation while raising questions about authenticity and legacy.
As the film prepares for its debut, it stands as a testament to Kilmer's enduring impact and the complex interplay between memory, technology, and storytelling in modern cinema.
