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A new chapter in filmmaking is unfolding with the upcoming film As Deep as the Grave, where the late Val Kilmer appears on screen through advanced generative AI. The project blends technology, personal legacy, and storytelling in a way that is already sparking conversation across the industry.
Five years before his death in 2025, Kilmer had been cast as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist. The role was written specifically for him by director Coerte Voorhees, who envisioned the character as deeply connected to Kilmer’s own heritage and his ties to the American Southwest. However, Kilmer’s battle with throat cancer prevented him from ever stepping onto the set.
Despite that setback, Voorhees has now realized his original vision. With the support of Kilmer’s family, including his daughter Mercedes Kilmer and son Jack, the filmmakers used generative AI to recreate the actor’s presence in the film. According to Voorhees, that family support played a key role in moving forward with what some might consider a controversial decision.
The film, previously titled Canyon of the Dead, tells the true story of archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris and their work in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona. Their efforts to trace the history of the Navajo people form the backbone of the narrative. The cast includes Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton, Wes Studi, and Abigail Breslin, with the AI generated version of Kilmer playing a significant role.
To bring Father Fintan to life, the production used a combination of archival images provided by Kilmer’s family and footage from his later years. The performance also incorporates his voice, which had been affected by a tracheal procedure. In a meaningful parallel, the character in the film suffers from tuberculosis, creating a connection between the actor’s real life condition and the character’s experience.
Producer John Voorhees noted that this overlap added emotional depth, allowing the portrayal to feel authentic rather than artificial. The goal was not just to recreate Kilmer’s likeness, but to preserve something truthful about his presence and voice.
The production itself faced multiple challenges. As an independent film, it endured delays caused by the COVID pandemic, stretching the timeline to six years. At one point, scenes involving Father Fintan were removed due to budget and time constraints. Later, the filmmakers realized those scenes were essential and turned to AI as a practical and creative solution since reshooting was not possible.
The decision arrives at a time when the use of AI in film remains heavily debated. Concerns about consent, job security, and artistic integrity continue to shape industry discussions. In this case, the filmmakers emphasize that they followed SAG guidelines and ensured that Kilmer’s estate was compensated.
Mercedes Kilmer expressed strong support for the project, describing her father as someone who embraced new technology and saw it as a way to expand storytelling possibilities. That perspective aligns with Kilmer’s own past experience using AI voice technology during his return as Iceman in Top Gun Maverick.
As Deep as the Grave now stands as both a film and a statement. It raises questions about the future of performance while honoring an actor who was unable to complete the role in his lifetime. Whether praised or criticized, it marks a moment where technology and legacy meet in a deeply personal way.
