A trailer released April 15, 2026 [2], features the first authorized generative-AI performance of a major Hollywood star, the late Val Kilmer [1].
This development marks a significant shift in cinematic production, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can recreate the likeness and voice of deceased actors with the consent of their heirs.
Kilmer died in 2025 at age 65 [6]. Because he died before filming his role in the upcoming western "As Deep as the Grave," filmmakers utilized AI technology to complete the project [1, 5]. The production received the blessing of the actor's estate and his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer [1, 2].
Technical execution of the performance involved the UK-based company Sonantic, which handled the AI voice work [1, 2]. The efficiency of the technology was highlighted by reports that it took only seven minutes to create a specific AI-generated scene featuring Kilmer [8].
The use of a digital replica allows the production to honor Kilmer's legacy while ensuring the narrative of the film remains intact. The trailer, which became publicly available on April 15 [6], showcases a seamless integration of the AI likeness into the western setting [3, 4].
This project follows a growing trend of using synthetic media to preserve the presence of performers who can no longer appear on screen. By securing the approval of the Kilmer family, the studio avoided the legal and ethical disputes that often accompany the unauthorized use of a performer's image [5].
“The first authorized generative-AI performance of a major Hollywood star.”
The authorization of Val Kilmer's AI likeness sets a legal and ethical precedent for the entertainment industry. By involving the actor's estate and daughter, the production establishes a model for 'digital resurrection' that prioritizes consent over opportunistic use. This transition suggests a future where a performer's career can extend beyond their lifetime through licensed synthetic assets.
