An AI-generated digital likeness of the late actor Val Kilmer has appeared in newly released footage for the indie film “As Deep as the Grave” [1].
The release highlights the growing use of synthetic media to complete performances after an actor's death, sparking renewed debate over the ethics of digital resurrection in cinema [3].
FirstLine Films produced the project, which utilizes AI to fulfill a role Kilmer was cast for five years before his death [1]. The actor died in 2025 [1]. The production team, including director Coerte Voorhees and producer John Voorhees, said they sought to honor Kilmer’s legacy by completing the performance he had originally committed to [2, 3].
Online platforms recently debuted seven minutes of the AI-generated footage [4]. The clips showcase a digital version of Kilmer designed to mimic his appearance and mannerisms for the role [1, 2].
This production comes as the creative community continues to grapple with the implications of AI-driven filmmaking [3]. While some view the technology as a tool for storytelling and legacy, others express concern regarding the consent, and authenticity of performances created without the living presence of the artist [2, 3].
Voorhees and the production team said they used the technology to bridge the gap between the original casting and the final product. The film serves as a case study in how indie studios can leverage high-end digital tools to maintain continuity in a project despite the loss of a lead actor [1, 3].
“An AI-generated digital likeness of Val Kilmer has appeared in newly released footage.”
The use of AI to complete Val Kilmer's role marks a shift from high-budget studio CGI to indie filmmaking. This trend suggests that synthetic performances are becoming more accessible to smaller productions, potentially normalizing the digital resurrection of deceased actors across the industry regardless of budget.
