AI Val Kilmer Returns to the Screen in Shocking New Thriller ‘As Deep as the Grave’

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Though he passed away in 2025, Val Kilmer appears in a new film, “As Deep as the Grave,” thanks to artificial intelligence. The movie recounts the real-life story of Ann and Earl Morris, archaeologists who researched Navajo history in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona. Kilmer was originally chosen to play Father Fintan, a priest with connections to Native American spirituality, back in 2015, but his struggle with throat cancer unfortunately kept him from completing the role.

According to Coerte Voorhees, the writer and director of the film, Val Kilmer was always his first choice for the part. The role was specifically created with Kilmer in mind, taking into account his Native American background and connection to the Southwest. Although Kilmer’s health prevented him from filming, the team remained committed to realizing his original vision for the character.

Using cutting-edge AI technology, Val Kilmer is featured in the film with the blessing of his family. His children, Mercedes and Jack, collaborated with the filmmakers to make sure his portrayal honored his life and work. According to director Trevor Voorhees, the family emphasized how much the movie meant to Val and that he would have wanted to be involved. Voorhees added that, despite potential debate around the approach, it aligned with Kilmer’s wishes.

The film shows Father Fintan at various ages by combining old footage of Val Kilmer with more recent scenes. Because Kilmer’s voice was impacted by surgery, artificial intelligence was used to recreate it, mirroring the character’s battle with tuberculosis and Kilmer’s own health struggles. Producer John Voorhees explained that the character’s illness paralleled Kilmer’s experience with throat cancer, creating a powerful connection between the actor’s life and the story.

Val Kilmer appears in the new film ‘As Deep as the Grave’ thanks to AI technology. He was originally cast in the role in 2015, but his battle with throat cancer prevented him from filming. With his daughter’s permission, filmmakers used an AI version of Kilmer to complete the movie.

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The independent film, first known as “Canyon of the Dead,” took over six years to make because of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Early on, some scenes with the character Father Fintan were removed to save money, but the filmmakers later decided he was crucial to the plot. “Recasting wasn’t an option—we simply couldn’t afford to film those scenes again,” explained Coerte Voorhees. “We had to find creative solutions.”

Using artificial intelligence in movies is still a sensitive topic, especially regarding actor consent and potential job losses in Hollywood. In the case of a recent film featuring a digital recreation of Val Kilmer, his estate actively participated in the process, and the production team followed union rules, ensuring the family was fairly compensated for his AI likeness.

Mercedes Kilmer voiced her support for the project, noting that her father was enthusiastic about using new technology to tell stories. She explained, “He was always optimistic about how technology could enhance storytelling, and we’re carrying that spirit forward with this film.”

Val Kilmer used artificial intelligence to recreate his voice for his return as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the 2022 film Top Gun: Maverick. He had lost his ability to speak naturally due to cancer and worked with Sonantic to restore his voice for the role. He described the experience as a meaningful opportunity to tell his story with a voice that sounded like his own.

The film “As Deep as the Grave” features Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton, Wes Studi, and Abigail Breslin alongside a digitally recreated performance by Kilmer. This AI version of Kilmer is a key part of the story and serves as a tribute to the actor.

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2026-03-18 21:14