Val Kilmer to ‘Star’ in New Film Using AI Deepfake – Family Approves
Val Kilmer will return to the screen in As Deep As The Grave, a new Western, more than a year after his death from pneumonia in April 2025. But this isn’t a traditional posthumous role; Kilmer’s performance is being realized through generative AI, with the full support of his estate and children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer.
The project, initially cast in 2020, was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and then complicated by Kilmer’s battle with throat cancer, diagnosed in 2014. Director Coerte Voorhees, who had designed the role of Father Fintan – a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist – specifically with Kilmer in mind, found a way to bring his vision to life using the technology. “He was the actor I wanted to play this role,” Voorhees told Variety. “It was very much designed around him. It drew on his Native American heritage and his ties to and love of the Southwest.”
A Role Designed for Kilmer
Voorhees explained that he had a call sheet prepared with Kilmer ready to shoot before the actor’s health declined. The film centers on the true story of Southwestern archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris and their work tracing the history of the Navajo people in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona. Kilmer’s casting felt particularly fitting given the character’s connection to Native American spirituality and the Southwestern landscape. The director’s commitment to honoring Kilmer’s initial involvement, coupled with the family’s enthusiastic support, ultimately paved the way for the AI reconstruction.
“His family kept saying how key they thought the movie was and that Val really wanted to be a part of this,” Voorhees said. “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, What we have is what Val wanted.” This sentiment is echoed by US Magazine, which reports the family’s active approval of the project.
Kilmer’s Legacy and Final Projects
Val Kilmer’s career spanned decades, marked by iconic roles including Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman Forever, Jim Morrison in The Doors, and Lt. Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky in Top Gun. He also delivered a memorable performance as Perry Van Shrike in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Beyond his on-screen work, Kilmer was a poet and playwright, and in recent years, he openly shared his experiences with cancer in the intimate 2021 documentary, Val. The documentary offered a deeply personal look at his battle with the disease and the impact it had on his voice and career.
The outpouring of grief following Kilmer’s death was significant, with fellow actors like Tom Cruise publicly honoring his memory. Cruise paused a Las Vegas performance of Top Gun: Maverick to lead a moment of silence for Kilmer, acknowledging his contribution to the franchise and their long-standing friendship, as reported by NME.
The Ensemble Cast and Production Details
As Deep As The Grave, previously titled Canyon of the Dead, boasts a strong supporting cast alongside the AI-rendered Kilmer. Harry Potter star Tom Felton, Abigail Lawrie, Wes Studi, and Abigail Breslin are all set to appear in the film. The project promises to be a compelling adaptation of the true story of Ann and Earl Morris’s archaeological work, offering a nuanced exploration of Navajo history and culture.
Navigating the Ethical Landscape
The use of AI to resurrect actors raises complex ethical questions about ownership of likeness, artistic intent, and the boundaries of performance. Even as the Kilmer family’s support mitigates some of these concerns, the project is likely to spark debate within the industry and among audiences. Voorhees acknowledges the potential controversy, but emphasizes that he proceeded with the family’s blessing and a firm belief that it aligned with Kilmer’s wishes.
What’s Next for As Deep As The Grave?
Currently, the film is in post-production, with the AI rendering process underway. A firm release date has not yet been announced, but the filmmakers are aiming for a 2026 release, capitalizing on the initial buzz generated by the innovative use of technology and the enduring legacy of Val Kilmer. The project’s success could open the door for similar applications of AI in filmmaking, potentially offering new avenues for honoring the work of deceased actors and completing unfinished projects.