AI Brings Back Val Kilmer to Star in AS DEEP AS THE GRAVE

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I was shocked writing that headline, and if you felt the same way reading it, I think we agree: AI is being taken too far. Five years before he passed away in 2025, Val Kilmer was cast in a drama called As Deep As the Grave. Unfortunately, due to his battle with throat cancer, he couldn’t film his scenes. Now, a newly released image shows an AI version of Val Kilmer will be used in the movie instead. It’s a bit disheartening.

Let’s be clear: Artificial intelligence shouldn’t take the place of real actors in movies and TV shows. The recent attempt with Tilly Norwood was concerning, but now the idea of digitally bringing back deceased stars? It’s gone too far. Let’s respect those who have passed and leave them at peace.

I was reading an interview with the director, Voorhees, and he explained why he originally wanted Val Kilmer for the role of Father Fintan in As Deep As the Grave. Apparently, he actually wrote the part for Val! He really felt Kilmer, with his Native American background and connection to the Southwest, was perfect for it. It’s so sad, because Voorhees said they had everything ready to go, but Val was dealing with some serious health issues at the time and unfortunately couldn’t take the role.

Despite Val Kilmer being unable to film scenes, the director was able to achieve his creative goals using artificial intelligence. The film, As Deep As the Grave, tells the life story of Fintan and features a substantial amount of digitally created Val Kilmer, portraying him at different ages. AI was also used to recreate his voice, which was affected by a previous throat surgery. This decision was made with the full approval of Kilmer’s estate and his daughter, Mercedes.

According to Voorhees, Val’s family repeatedly emphasized how meaningful the film was to him and how much he desired to be involved. He believed it was a significant story he wanted to be associated with. Their encouragement gave Voorhees the confidence to move forward with the project, even knowing it might be considered controversial, because it was ultimately Val’s wish.

According to his daughter, Mercedes, he consistently viewed new technologies as ways to enhance and broaden creative storytelling. She explains that this hopeful approach is being carried forward in a film he helped create.

It’s good that Val Kilmer’s family supports this, but it still feels unsettling. If this is becoming the norm, I’m honestly at a loss for words. It raises a lot of ethical concerns, which are a discussion for another time.

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2026-03-18 23:33