A trailer has been released for “As Deep As the Grave,” the first film to feature a generative AI version of the late actor Val Kilmer. Kilmer, who passed away in April 2025, was unable to shoot scenes due to production delays, but his estate collaborated with filmmakers and the UK-based company Sonantic to create an AI-generated voice and visual likeness. His performance will reportedly appear for about an hour as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist. While the production adhered to SAG-AFTRA guidelines and compensated Kilmer’s estate, the use of AI in this manner has sparked mixed reactions, with some labeling the project as “ghoulish” and raising concerns about its implications for the film industry. Despite these criticisms, the filmmakers claim they aim to demonstrate a positive application of AI technology in Hollywood.
Why It Matters
The use of AI to recreate deceased actors raises important ethical questions regarding consent, representation, and the future of performance in film. Historically, Hollywood has grappled with such issues, especially following the posthumous use of actors’ likenesses, as seen in projects like “Rogue One” with Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher. As technology advances, the ability to digitally recreate and manipulate performances could significantly alter casting practices and the nature of storytelling in cinema. This development underscores an ongoing debate about the boundaries of technology in art, particularly in balancing innovation with respect for the legacies of actors.
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