Val Kilmer AI Deepfake Film “As Deep as the Grave” Releases First Trailer

The trailer for “As Deep as the Grave,” featuring the AI-generated likeness of the beloved actor Val Kilmer, has recently been unveiled. Val Kilmer, renowned for his roles in iconic films like Top Gun and Batman Forever, passed away last April at the age of 65. This new film utilizes generative AI to craft a digital representation of Kilmer, bringing him to life in a significant role.

“As Deep as the Grave” tells the story of married archaeologists Ann Axtell Morris (played by Abigail Lawrie) and Earl H. Morris (played by Tom Felton), who conducted research in the U.S. Southwest during the 1920s. In this film, Kilmer’s digital likeness will portray Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist. The cast also includes Abigail Breslin, Wes Studi, and Finn Jones.

Although Kilmer was originally slated to appear in “As Deep as the Grave,” health concerns and production delays meant he was unable to film any scenes. He had previously showcased a tech-assisted performance in Top Gun: Maverick, which included digital alterations of his voice. With “As Deep as the Grave,” however, the film will mark a new frontier as Kilmer’s likeness and voice will be entirely AI-generated.

A notable comment on the trailer highlighted a particular scene, humorously remarking on its depiction of a corpse being unearthed. This film follows in the footsteps of others that have utilized CGI to bring late actors back to the screen. Films such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Furious 7 have previously used similar technology to generate performances after the actors’ untimely departures.

Writer and director Coerte Voorhees expressed that the decision to use AI rather than recasting was influenced by budget limitations and that Kilmer’s family supported the project. Despite this, the use of AI in film has sparked a heated debate online, with some viewing it as a respectful homage and others raising concerns about its implications for the industry.

As the conversation around AI and film continues, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the evolving landscape of storytelling and the ways technology can honor the legacies of cherished artists.