The late screen icon Val Kilmer is set to posthumously star in the indie drama As Deep As The Grave, with a generative AI deepfake version of the actor bringing his character to life. This groundbreaking move has received the full blessing of Kilmer's family.
Kilmer, who passed away in April 2025 at the age of 65 due to pneumonia, had previously battled throat cancer. Despite his passing, his digital likeness will embody Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, in a film he was originally cast in back in 2020 but was too ill to fulfill.
A Family-Backed Digital Legacy
Writer and director Coerte Voorhees confirmed to Variety that generative AI will restore Kilmer for the role. The technology will utilize younger images and footage from throughout Kilmer's life, including his final years.
Kilmer's daughter, Mercedes, and son, Jack, have both endorsed the project, ensuring the portrayal aligns with his wishes. Voorhees highlighted the family's conviction, stating, "His family kept saying how important they thought the movie was and that Val really wanted to be a part of this."
"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," Voorhees added, emphasizing Kilmer's personal connection to the story.
The Role Kilmer Was Meant To Play
The film, an adaptation of a true story, follows archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris as they trace the history of the Navajo people. Alongside Kilmer's AI performance, the cast includes Harry Potter star Tom Felton, Abigail Lawrie, Wes Studi, and Abigail Breslin.
Voorhees reiterated the profound significance of Kilmer for the role. "He was the actor I wanted to play this role. It was very much designed around him. It drew on his Native American heritage and his ties to and love of the Southwest," Voorhees explained. "I was looking at a call sheet the other day, and we had him ready to shoot. He was just going through a really, really tough time medically, and he couldn’t do it."
The Digital Resurrection: Ethics and Innovation in Posthumous Acting
The decision to employ AI for Val Kilmer's performance in As Deep As The Grave is a watershed moment for the entertainment industry. While digital doubles have been used for de-aging or stunt work, this marks one of the most prominent instances of a deceased actor leading a feature film through generative AI, with explicit family consent.
This innovative approach raises crucial questions about artistic integrity, the ethics of posthumous performances, and the potential for a new form of digital immortality for beloved stars. For Kilmer, who famously lost his voice due to throat cancer—a struggle documented in his intimate film Val (2021)—the AI deepfake could be seen as a poignant restoration, allowing his talent to transcend physical limitations and continue his legacy.
It sets a precedent that could open doors for future projects, allowing filmmakers to fulfill original casting visions or even bring back iconic figures. However, it also ignites debates about control, ownership, and the fine line between homage and exploitation, even with family approval. The industry will undoubtedly watch closely to see how As Deep As The Grave navigates this uncharted territory, balancing technological advancement with artistic and ethical considerations.
A Celebrated Career and Lasting Tributes
Val Kilmer leaves behind an indelible mark on cinema, celebrated for iconic roles such as Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman Forever, Jim Morrison in The Doors, Lt. Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky in Top Gun, and Perry Van Shrike in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
Following his passing, co-star Tom Cruise paid a heartfelt tribute in Las Vegas. "I’d like to honour a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer," Cruise said, expressing his admiration. "I can’t tell you how much I admire his work, how grateful and honoured I was when he joined Top Gun and came back later for Top Gun: Maverick." Cruise encouraged the crowd to reflect on their shared memories: "I think it would be really nice if we could have a moment together because he loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us. Just kind of think about all the wonderful times that we had with him."
