Years after his passing, Val Kilmer is returning to the big screen in an unexpected way. A new film is using AI technology to recreate the late actor’s performance, marking a major moment in the use of artificial intelligence in Hollywood.
The upcoming film As Deep as the Grave includes AI-generated footage of Kilmer playing Father Fintan. The film, directed by Courtesy Voorhees, was in production before Kilmer’s death in 2024. However, due to his health issues affecting his voice, AI was used instead to recreate his role.
According to First Line Films, the filmmakers used innovative technology to recreate the actor’s performance. The film is based on the real-life story of early archaeologists of the American Southwest and also stars Abigail Breslin and Tom Felton.
The use of AI to recreate actor’s performances is a new trend. Unlike previous examples of actor appearance, filmmakers have used AI to recreate the actor’s appearance. This is a new trend where filmmakers are using new technology to recreate the actor’s performance.
The use of AI in films is a matter of concern for many filmmakers. For example, SAG-AFTRA has raised concerns over ownership of an actor’s image and actor’s rights. Recently passed laws in California are meant to protect actors from misuse of their images even after death.
Despite the controversy, Kilmer’s family supported the project. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, said that the actor believed in using technology to expand the possibilities of storytelling.
