Val Kilmer to appear posthumously via AI in ‘As Deep as the Grave’

Val Kilmer appears posthumously via AI in the historical drama ‘As Deep as the Grave’, marking a first for major studio filmmaking. The late actor’s digitally recreated likeness debuted in the film’s trailer at CinemaCon in April 2026, sparking widespread discussion about the use of generative AI to resurrect deceased performers.

How the AI Recreation Was Authorized

The filmmakers behind ‘As Deep as the Grave’, brothers Coerte and John Voorhees, said they obtained explicit permission from the late actor’s estate to use his likeness. This authorization was crucial as the production originally intended to have Val Kilmer star in the film, having cast him in the role years before his death. When Kilmer died in his sleep at his Los Angeles home on April 1, 2025, at 65 years old, the filmmakers faced a decision: abandon the project or use emerging AI technology to complete his performance.

The Film and Its Story

‘As Deep as the Grave’ is a historical drama written and directed by Coerte Voorhees. The film centers on the true story of archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, whose work in archaeology shaped the field. The production involved filming in New Mexico and Arizona in collaboration with the Navajo Nation. The cast also includes Abigail Lawrie and Tom Felton, appearing alongside the AI-generated version of Val Kilmer.

The Broader Conversation on AI and Performance

The debut of Val Kilmer’s AI recreation sparked significant debate within the entertainment industry. The use of generative AI to depict a deceased actor represents a contentious frontier in filmmaking, raising questions about digital ethics, performer rights, and the future of posthumous casting. The trailer’s release at CinemaCon brought the issue to industry attention, with observers weighing the innovation against concerns about how such technology might be used without proper authorization in other contexts. The filmmakers’ decision to secure consent from Kilmer’s family was presented as a responsible approach to the emerging practice.

Sources

• Variety — First look at Val Kilmer’s AI performance in ‘As Deep as the Grave’ (March 18, 2026)
• The Hollywood Reporter — Val Kilmer’s AI-generated posthumous likeness debuts in trailer at CinemaCon (April 15, 2026)
• ABC News — The late actor’s digitally recreated likeness featured in first trailer for ‘As Deep as the Grave’ (April 15, 2026)
• NBC News — Filmmakers obtained permission from the late actor’s estate to use his likeness (March 18, 2026)
• CBC — Historical drama based on archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris (April 16, 2026)
• The Guardian — Footage of ‘As Deep as the Grave’ screened, featuring an authorized visual deepfake (April 16, 2026)