The independent film "As Deep as the Grave" has made headlines for its innovative use of artificial intelligence, featuring an AI-rendered version of actor Val Kilmer in a significant role. Filmmakers unveiled a first look at the recreated actor on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The trailer for the film showcases Kilmer's character, Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, depicted at various ages, with the poignant closing line: "Don’t fear the dead and don’t fear me."

Val Kilmer, who reportedly died last year at the age of 65 from pneumonia, is at the center of a burgeoning ethical discussion regarding the use of generative AI in cinema. His posthumous recreation for this historical drama, which is based on the lives of archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, became a highly debated topic upon its announcement. Writer-director Coerte Voorhees and producer John Voorhees addressed these controversies during a panel at CinemaCon, explaining their efforts to ensure the ethical use of technology by working closely with Kilmer’s children and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) union.

Producer John Voorhees acknowledged the inherent risks in using AI actors based on real people but emphasized that their production meticulously followed SAG-AFTRA guidelines, which he summarized as "consent, compensation and collaboration." Val Kilmer’s estate, including his daughter Mercedes, granted explicit permission for his digital likeness, is receiving compensation, and actively contributed archival footage crucial to the AI recreation process. The filmmakers drew a parallel between the AI-rendered Kilmer performance and actors portraying historical figures, referencing Kilmer’s own role as Jim Morrison in "The Doors."

Adding another layer to this narrative, Val Kilmer himself had prior experience with AI technology. After losing his natural speaking voice due to a throat cancer diagnosis and two tracheotomies, he collaborated with an AI software company to digitally recreate his voice. This same technology was also utilized to enhance his final screen performance in "Top Gun: Maverick."

The decision to use AI for Father Fintan stemmed from unforeseen circumstances. Kilmer had initially committed to "As Deep as the Grave" years prior, and his character was central to the film's structure. However, health issues forced him to withdraw at the last minute. The production, one of the first to begin shooting in New Mexico in the fall of 2020 amidst the pandemic, initially proceeded without the character after numerous stops and starts. Realizing later that Father Fintan was indispensable to the story, the filmmakers approached Kilmer’s children, Mercedes and Jack, who were reportedly "so excited and so supportive of the idea." Coerte Voorhees reiterated their commitment, stating, "We didn’t want to do it unless everybody thought this was going to work properly."

Coerte Voorhees clarified that while Val Kilmer "influenced this performance," he refrained from explicitly labeling it a "Val Kilmer performance." He revealed that the AI-rendered Kilmer appears on screen for one hour and 17 minutes in the film, which is described as having a long final runtime. The filmmakers anticipate releasing "As Deep as the Grave" sometime this year.