AI Revives Val Kilmer for Posthumous Role in ‘As Deep as the Grave’

Val Kilmer will star posthumously in the independent film "As Deep as the Grave" through a photorealistic AI-generated digital likeness, according to Variety. Kilmer, who died in April 2025 at age 65 from pneumonia and throat cancer complications, was originally cast as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, but was unable to film due to health issues. The use of generative AI marks one of the first instances of an actor being digitally resurrected for a movie after death.

The film is directed by Coerte Voorhees and produced by First Line Films, which have confirmed Kilmer signed on before his health declined, as reported by Euronews and the Korea Herald. Kilmer's estate and family approved the project, viewing it as a tribute to the actor’s legacy and innovative spirit in storytelling, according to Mashable and Lopez Doriga Digital. The project adheres to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) guidelines surrounding posthumous AI likeness usage.

The indie film leverages previously recorded video, voice data, and advanced AI technology to create a lifelike digital replica of Kilmer’s appearance and performance, says Screen Rant. First images released from the production show Kilmer revived in period costume, generating interest in how AI can extend an actor’s presence beyond their lifetime. La Jornada notes this is a pioneering example of AI influence in the film industry’s creative processes.

Val Kilmer’s digital resurrection raises new questions about ethics, rights, and creative possibilities in filmmaking, as The Guardian Culture highlights. With the project slated for release later this year, industry observers will watch closely to see how audiences respond and whether AI recreations become more widespread. The success or controversy of "As Deep as the Grave" could shape future uses of AI in resurrecting performers for cinematic roles.