Val Kilmer resurrected by AI in new movie he was cast in before death

Val Kilmer is being digitally resurrected using advanced AI technology to appear in a film he was originally cast in before his passing. The movie, titled “As Deep as the Grave,” features Kilmer in the role of Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist. Kilmer was cast for this part roughly a decade ago but was unable to film due to his health struggles with throat cancer before his death in 2025. The film’s writer and director, Coerte Voorhees, who envisioned Kilmer for the role from the start, is collaborating closely with the actor’s estate and his family, including his daughter Mercedes and son Jack, to bring Kilmer back to life through generative AI.

The production team is using AI to recreate Kilmer’s appearance and voice by leveraging images and audio recordings from throughout his career, continuing the innovative approach the actor embraced during his lifetime—such as using AI-generated voice technology for his role in “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022). This approach enables Kilmer to have a “significant” presence in the new film, honoring his wishes and legacy while stirring debate about the ethics of AI actors in posthumous roles. This creative use of AI technology in cinema highlights both the possibilities and the controversies emerging as AI reshapes storytelling and performance in the entertainment industry.