NEW YORK — More than a year following Val Kilmer’s passing, the beloved actor will take on a new role through cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology in what represents one of Hollywood’s most ambitious AI projects yet.
First Line Films revealed Wednesday that Kilmer will appear digitally in the independent movie “As Deep as the Grave.” According to producers, the late actor had committed to the project before his passing but couldn’t complete filming due to declining health conditions.
The Kilmer family estate approved the digital recreation and will receive compensation for its use. Mercedes Kilmer, Val’s daughter, expressed that the character held special meaning for her father.
“He always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling,” she said in a statement. “This spirit is something that we are all honoring within this specific film, of which he was an integral part.”
The iconic actor passed away in April at 65 years old due to pneumonia complications. Following a 2014 throat cancer diagnosis that required two tracheotomy procedures, Kilmer lost his natural speaking ability and collaborated with an AI technology firm to digitally restore his voice. His final on-screen appearance in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick” featured digitally enhanced vocals.
Artificial intelligence applications in cinema have sparked heated debates throughout the entertainment industry recently. Some companies are pushing boundaries with AI-generated performances, including Xicoia’s launch of virtual performer “Tilly Norwood” last year and a recent music video debut.
The Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA has criticized Xicoia’s “AI actor” concept while establishing guidelines for other technological applications. Union regulations require performer consent for digital replica usage, stating “Consent not obtained before death must be obtained from an authorized representative or the union.”
SAG-AFTRA representatives did not respond to Wednesday inquiries.
Writer-director Coerte Voorhees and producer John Voorhees confirmed via email that SAG protocols were followed.
“We believe we are serving as a demonstrator for how to do it ethically and correctly, especially in the case of working with a deceased actor’s estate and family,” they stated.
The film, previously called “Canyon of the Dead,” completed principal photography years ago but remained in post-production. The story chronicles real-life archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, whose Arizona discoveries revealed significant Native American historical artifacts. Kilmer’s AI recreation portrays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest with Native American spiritual connections. The ensemble includes Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton, Wes Studi and Abigail Breslin.
Coerte Voorhees noted that Kilmer, who claimed Native American heritage, connected with the project five years earlier. Producers are currently pursuing distribution deals hoping for a 2024 release.
“It was very unfortunate that his health at the time prevented him from playing this role which spoke to him spiritually and culturally,” Voorhees explained. “We are honored to collaborate with his daughter Mercedes, who brings her own filmmaking experience, to bring this character to life in the way that we had all originally imagined it.”
