Val Kilmer AI movie gets family backing for As Deep as the Grave

Val Kilmer will appear in the upcoming indie film As Deep as the Grave using AI technology, with the full support of his family and estate. The Top Gun star was cast as Father Fintan but became too ill to complete filming before his death in 2023, prompting filmmakers to use his previously developed digital voice to finish the performance. As reported by Variety, the decision addresses both creative and financial constraints facing the independent production.

What this means for the film industry

This marks another significant step in AI's integration into filmmaking, particularly for independent productions facing budget limitations. According to director Coerte Voorhees, the production couldn't afford to reshoot scenes after removing Kilmer's character made the story incoherent. "We can't roll camera again. We don't have the budget," Voorhees explained to Variety.

The technology leverages Kilmer's AI-powered speaking voice, which he developed in 2021 using hours of archival footage. This same technology helped him reprise his Iceman role in Top Gun: Maverick, delivering an emotional farewell scene with Tom Cruise despite his throat cancer limiting his speech.

Mercedes Kilmer, the actor's daughter, defended the decision by highlighting her father's forward-thinking approach. "He always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling," she said. The family was compensated for the use of Kilmer's digital likeness.

How does this compare to previous AI resurrections?

Hollywood has increasingly turned to digital technology to feature deceased actors, though approaches vary significantly. Lucasfilm pioneered the practice with Princess Leia in Rogue One (2016) using digital de-aging, then assembled unused footage for The Rise of Skywalker. More recent examples include Ian Holm's android Ash in Alien: Romulus and Harold Ramis appearing as a CGI ghost in Ghostbusters: Afterlife.

What sets As Deep as the Grave apart is its use of Kilmer's own pre-approved AI voice model rather than reconstructing his performance entirely from existing footage or digital creation.

What are the ethical concerns about AI actors?

The practice has sparked fierce debate within Hollywood about consent, authenticity, and the future of performance. Nicolas Cage has been particularly vocal, arguing that actors who allow AI to alter their performances approach "a dead end" because "robots cannot reflect the human condition."

However, not everyone shares this pessimism. Chris Pratt dismissed Hollywood's panic about AI actors as "bulls**t," suggesting the industry's concerns are overblown. The emergence of entirely AI-generated performers like "Tilly Norwood" adds another layer to these discussions.

In our view, the Kilmer case represents a more ethical approach — using technology the actor himself developed and approved, with family consent and compensation. It's less about replacing human performance and more about completing an interrupted artistic vision.

When and where to watch

As Deep as the Grave doesn't have an official UAE release date yet, though the film is currently in post-production. Given its independent nature, it will likely premiere at film festivals before securing distribution deals. UAE viewers should expect the film to arrive on streaming platforms or select cinemas once distribution is finalised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Val Kilmer appear in a new movie?

Yes, Val Kilmer will appear in As Deep as the Grave using AI technology to complete his role as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist.

Did Val Kilmer's family approve the use of AI?

Yes, the use of AI has the full blessing of Kilmer's family and estate, who were also compensated. His daughter Mercedes said it honours his vision for storytelling.

What is As Deep as the Grave about?

The indie film features Kilmer as Father Fintan, though specific plot details remain limited. The character was deemed essential to the story's coherence after initial cuts.

What are the ethical concerns about AI in acting?

Critics like Nicolas Cage argue AI cannot reflect human authenticity, whilst others see it as a storytelling tool. The key ethical considerations involve consent, compensation, and artistic integrity.

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