The late Val Kilmer will appear in a new film, As Deep As The Grave, thanks to the use of artificial intelligence. The project, which began taking shape in 2020, utilizes generative AI to recreate Kilmer’s performance as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, a role he was originally cast in before his health declined. The use of this technology has been approved by Kilmer’s family, who say the actor deeply wanted to be involved in the film, which tells the true story of Southwestern archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris and their work in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona.
Kilmer, a celebrated actor known for roles in films like Batman Forever, Top Gun, and The Doors, battled throat cancer for years before his death in April 2025 at the age of 65. He had been diagnosed with the illness in 2014, and while he previously stated he had made a full recovery, his condition ultimately prevented him from filming his part in As Deep As The Grave. The film’s writer and director, Coerte Voorhees, explained to Variety that Kilmer was the ideal choice for the role, as it drew upon his Native American heritage and connection to the Southwest.
Voorhees described finding a call sheet from the original planned shoot, a poignant reminder of Kilmer’s commitment to the project. “He was just going through a really, really tough time medically, and he couldn’t do it,” Voorhees said. The decision to employ AI wasn’t taken lightly, but was ultimately supported by Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes, and son, Jack. “His family kept saying how important they thought the movie was and that Val really wanted to be a part of this,” Voorhees explained. “He really thought it was an important story that he wanted his name on. It was that support that gave me the confidence to say, okay let’s do this. Despite the fact some people might call it controversial, this is what Val wanted.”
Recreating a Performance Through AI
The process of bringing Kilmer back to the screen involved a blend of techniques. Voorhees intends to use both younger images of Kilmer and footage from his later years to portray Father Fintan at different stages of life. The AI was also used to recreate Kilmer’s voice, which was affected by tracheal surgery, to match the character’s struggle with tuberculosis, mirroring Kilmer’s own health challenges. Producer John Voorhees noted the parallel between the character’s illness and Kilmer’s real-life battle with cancer, creating a unique connection between the actor and the role.
The film will also star Tom Felton, known for his role in the Harry Potter series, alongside Abigail Lawrie, Wes Studi, and Abigail Breslin. As Deep As The Grave, originally titled Canyon of the Dead, is based on the true story of archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris and their efforts to document the history of the Navajo people in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona.
A Complex Legacy and the Future of Digital Resurrection
Kilmer’s career spanned decades, and he left an indelible mark on cinema. Beyond his iconic roles, he documented his personal journey through cancer in the 2021 documentary, Val, offering an intimate look at his battle with the disease and the impact on his voice. The film was widely praised for its honesty and vulnerability.
The use of AI to resurrect actors raises complex ethical questions about ownership, consent, and the very nature of performance. While Kilmer’s family has given their blessing, the practice is likely to spark debate as the technology becomes more sophisticated and widespread. The case of Val Kilmer and As Deep As The Grave is being closely watched as a potential precedent for future projects.
Remembering Kilmer’s Impact
Following Kilmer’s death, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Tom Cruise, his co-star in Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick, honored Kilmer with a moment of silence during a Las Vegas event, expressing his admiration for the actor’s work and friendship. “I’d like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer,” Cruise said, according to reports. “I can’t tell you how much I admire his work, how grateful and honored I was when he joined Top Gun and came back later for Top Gun: Maverick.”
The release of As Deep As The Grave is currently slated for later this year. The film promises to be a unique and poignant tribute to Val Kilmer, showcasing his talent and honoring his commitment to a story he believed in. The filmmakers have not yet announced a specific release date, but will likely share updates in the coming months.
The use of AI in filmmaking continues to evolve, and As Deep As The Grave represents a significant step in exploring the possibilities – and the ethical considerations – of digitally recreating performances. The film’s success will likely influence future projects and shape the ongoing conversation about the role of technology in the arts.
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