AI-Generated Val Kilmer Debuts in Film Trailer, Sparking Industry Debate
The trailer for "As Deep as the Grave," featuring an AI-recreated performance by the late Val Kilmer, debuted at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. While filmmakers and Kilmer’s estate defend the project as ethical and consensual under SAG-AFTRA guidelines, it has ignited significant controversy within Hollywood. Actor Jackson Rathbone publicly condemned the move, questioning the moral implications of posthumous digital resurrection. This event highlights the growing tension between technological innovation in cinema and ethical concerns regarding actor likeness, consent, and legacy preservation in the entertainment industry.
Editorial summary awaiting refresh
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Filmmakers Defend Ethical Use of AI Val Kilmer in New Film Amid Backlash
The creators of the indie historical drama As Deep as the Grave have defended their decision to feature an AI-generated version of the late actor Val Kilmer, following significant backlash on social media. After Kilmer passed away in 2025 due to health complications, filmmakers Coerte and John Voorhees secured consent from his children and estate to digitally recreate his likeness and voice for the role of Father Fintan. The trailer, debuted at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, sparked controversy with users labeling the technology terrifying and disrespectful. However, the directors argue their approach is ethical, noting that Kilmer’s estate was compensated and actively collaborated by providing archival materials. They assert that this method adheres to SAG-AFTRA guidelines and sets a positive precedent for AI use in Hollywood. The film, which explores the history of the Navajo people through archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, required Kilmer’s character for narrative completeness. While public reaction remains divided, the filmmakers maintain that they are demonstrating how artificial intelligence can be utilized responsibly in cinema when proper consent and artistic collaboration are established.
Just InFirst Trailer Released for Western Starring AI Version of Val Kilmer
The first trailer for the western film As Deep As the Grave has been released, marking a significant milestone as the first major Hollywood production to feature an authorized generative AI version of a deceased actor. Val Kilmer, who passed away in April 2025, was cast before his death but did not shoot any scenes due to production delays. To realize his role as Father Fintan, the creative team collaborated with UK-based company Sonantic to create an AI voice from archival recordings, while his estate and daughter Mercedes approved the visual deepfake technology. The film, directed by Coerte Voorhees, features Kilmer prominently for approximately one hour, depicting him across different ages. The project adheres to SAG-AFTRA guidelines, with financial compensation provided to Kilmer’s estate. This release highlights the growing integration of AI in cinema, following similar digital licensing deals involving actors like Bruce Willis and Matthew McConaughey, though skepticism remains among some industry stars regarding deepfake usage.
The GuardianJackson Rathbone Condemns AI Use of Late Val Kilmer in New Film
Actor Jackson Rathbone has strongly criticized the decision to use artificial intelligence to recreate the likeness of the late Val Kilmer in an upcoming film titled As Deep As the Grave. Kilmer, who passed away in April 2025, is set to appear in the project with the endorsement of his family, who state it fulfills his creative intentions before his health declined. Rathbone took to social media to label the move as disgusting, questioning the ethics of posthumous digital recreation. He directly challenged SAG-AFTRA for failing to prevent such scenarios despite previous strikes focused on digital consent. Furthermore, Rathbone accused Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, of capitalizing on her father’s death for financial gain. This incident has reignited debates within Hollywood regarding the moral and legal implications of AI in filmmaking. While supporters argue that the technology preserves artistic legacies, critics warn it undermines industry standards and performer rights. The controversy highlights ongoing divisions in the entertainment sector about the boundaries of AI usage, even when familial consent is granted, as the film remains in development.
tribuneJackson Rathbone Condemns AI Use of Late Val Kilmer in New Film
Actor Jackson Rathbone has strongly criticized the planned use of artificial intelligence to feature the late Val Kilmer in the upcoming film As Deep As the Grave. Kilmer, who passed away in April 2025, is set to appear via AI technology with his family's endorsement, aiming to complete a project he intended to finish before his health declined. Rathbone took to social media to label the decision as disgusting, questioning the ethics of posthumous digital recreation. He directly challenged SAG-AFTRA for explanations regarding industry standards and accused Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes, of capitalizing on her father’s death for financial gain. This incident highlights the ongoing debate within Hollywood concerning AI usage, digital likeness rights, and consent, issues that were central to recent industry strikes. While supporters argue that such technology preserves artistic legacies and fulfills creative intentions, critics like Rathbone warn of significant moral and legal implications. The controversy underscores deep divisions in the entertainment industry about the boundaries of AI in filmmaking and whether posthumous involvement aligns with ethical standards, even when approved by the deceased actor's estate.
tribuneVal Kilmer Returns via AI in 'As Deep as the Grave' Trailer
The late actor Val Kilmer, who passed away in 2025, is returning to the big screen through artificial intelligence in the upcoming historical drama 'As Deep as the Grave.' The film's first trailer was unveiled at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, showcasing Kilmer’s digitally recreated likeness as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist. Although Kilmer was originally cast years prior, declining health prevented him from filming. With the explicit blessing and compensation of his estate, including his daughter Mercedes, filmmakers utilized generative AI and archival footage to complete his performance. Director Coerte Voorhees emphasized that the production strictly adhered to SAG-AFTRA guidelines regarding consent and collaboration, noting that Kilmer had previously used similar voice-restoration technology during his lifetime. The indie film, which also stars Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton, and Abigail Breslin, follows archaeologists uncovering Ancestral Puebloan remains in the 1920s. This project highlights the growing yet controversial use of AI in Hollywood to preserve performances of deceased actors, with Kilmer appearing on screen for over an hour. No official release date has been announced yet.
abcnewsAI-Generated Val Kilmer Receives Applause at CinemaCon for 'As Deep as the Grave'
At the 2026 CinemaCon industry convention, attendees applauded a preview of the upcoming film 'As Deep as the Grave,' which features an AI-generated performance by the late actor Val Kilmer. The technology allowed Kilmer to portray Father Fintan, a Southwestern spiritual leader, despite his passing. This debut marks a significant moment in the intersection of artificial intelligence and Hollywood filmmaking, showcasing how digital resurrection techniques are being integrated into major motion pictures. The positive reception at the event suggests a growing acceptance or curiosity within the film industry regarding the ethical and artistic implications of using AI to recreate deceased performers. First Line Films, the production company behind the project, utilized advanced machine learning models to synthesize Kilmer's likeness and voice, aiming for a respectful and authentic representation. The demonstration highlights the evolving capabilities of generative AI in entertainment, raising both creative possibilities and ongoing debates about consent, legacy, and the future of acting. This event underscores the rapid technological shifts impacting traditional cinematic production methods and star power dynamics.
nbcnewsAI-Rendered Val Kilmer Debuts in 'As Deep as the Grave' Trailer
Filmmakers behind the indie historical drama 'As Deep as the Grave' unveiled a trailer featuring an artificial intelligence-rendered version of the late actor Val Kilmer at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Kilmer, who passed away last year at age 65, portrays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist. The use of generative AI to recreate his performance has sparked ethical debates, but directors Coerte and John Voorhees defended the decision, emphasizing adherence to Screen Actors Guild guidelines regarding consent, compensation, and collaboration. They secured permission from Kilmer’s estate, including his children Mercedes and Jack, who also provided archival footage. The filmmakers noted that Kilmer had previously utilized AI technology to restore his voice after losing it to throat cancer. Although Kilmer originally signed on for the role, health issues forced him to withdraw during production. Rather than recasting, the team chose to digitally recreate his performance, with the character appearing for approximately one hour and seventeen minutes. The film, based on archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, is scheduled for release later this year.
AP News