First Authorised AI Deepfake Film Trailer Showcases Val Kilmer Posthumously
The entertainment industry witnessed a groundbreaking moment as the first trailer for As Deep As the Grave was screened at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. This western film features an authorised generative AI version of the late actor Val Kilmer, who passed away in April 2025, setting a precedent for the use of artificial intelligence in major Hollywood productions.
Collaborative Effort Behind Kilmer's AI Portrayal
Val Kilmer was originally cast in As Deep As the Grave before his death, but production delays prevented him from filming any scenes. To overcome this, the creative team partnered with UK-based company Sonantic to develop an AI speaking voice based on Kilmer's archival recordings. His estate and daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, actively collaborated with the filmmakers to create a visual deepfake, ensuring his legacy was honoured authentically.
This is not the first time technology has assisted Kilmer; he previously used it for a cameo in the 2022 film Top Gun: Maverick after being diagnosed with throat cancer. In the new film, Kilmer plays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, with the trailer indicating a substantial role that spans multiple time periods, showing him as both a young man and an elderly figure.
Film Details and Ethical Considerations
Writer-director Coerte Voorhees confirmed that Kilmer appears for approximately an hour in the film's runtime. The trailer includes poignant moments, such as Fintan kneeling and telling a child, "Don't fear the dead and don't fear me." The film also stars Tom Felton, Abigail Breslin, and Abigail Lawrie, adding to its ensemble cast.
Voorhees emphasized that the film's themes were "very much designed around" Kilmer, drawing on his Native American heritage and connection to the south-west. After Kilmer's death, his family expressed that the movie was important to him, and they supported its completion. A statement from Mercedes Kilmer highlighted her father's optimism about emerging technologies as tools for expanding storytelling possibilities.
The production adhered to Sag-Aftra guidelines, and Kilmer's estate was financially compensated for providing archival materials. This approach reflects a growing trend in Hollywood, where other actors like Bruce Willis have consented to digital twins, and stars such as Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine have licensed their voices for AI use in approved projects.
Broader Implications and Industry Reactions
The use of AI in filmmaking extends beyond Kilmer, with estates of legendary actors like Laurence Olivier, Judy Garland, and James Dean licensing their voices to platforms like ElevenLabs. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Kendall Jenner have also engaged in AI deals for digital interactions on social media platforms like Instagram.
However, not all stars are embracing this technology. Figures like Morgan Freeman, Tom Hanks, and Scarlett Johansson have expressed scepticism about deepfake versions of their images and voices, raising concerns about authenticity and consent in the digital age.
As As Deep As the Grave prepares for release, it sparks important conversations about the future of filmmaking, the ethical use of AI, and how technology can preserve and extend artistic legacies while navigating new creative frontiers.
