Five years before his passing in 2025, esteemed actor Val Kilmer was slated to portray Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, in the film “As Deep as the Grave.” However, Kilmer's battle with throat cancer rendered him too unwell to make it to set. Director and writer Coerte Voorhees explained that the role was meticulously designed around Kilmer, drawing deeply on his Native American heritage and his profound love for the American Southwest. Despite having Kilmer ready on the call sheet, his severe medical condition ultimately prevented his physical participation.

Undeterred by this challenge, Voorhees was able to realize his vision of including Kilmer in the ensemble cast through the innovative application of state-of-the-art generative AI. This groundbreaking decision received the full cooperation and support of the late actor’s estate, including his daughter Mercedes and son Jack. Mercedes Kilmer conveyed that her father considered the movie and its narrative to be profoundly important, expressing a desire for his name to be associated with it. This unwavering support from the family provided the filmmakers with the confidence to proceed with what some might consider a controversial approach.

“As Deep as the Grave,” which was initially titled “Canyon of the Dead,” tells the true story of Southwestern archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris. The film chronicles their significant excavations in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, as they diligently worked to trace the history of the Navajo people. The ensemble cast also features Abigail Lawrie opposite Tom Felton, alongside Wes Studi and Abigail Breslin. The AI-generated rendition of Kilmer is set to appear in a “significant part” of the finished film, depicting his character across various stages of his life.

The generative AI implementation utilizes both younger images of Kilmer, many of which were provided by his family, and footage from his final years. Crucially, the audio component also incorporates Kilmer’s actual voice, which had been significantly affected by a tracheal procedure in his later life. John Voorhees, the film’s producer and Coerte’s brother, highlighted a poignant parallel: the character in the film also suffers from tuberculosis. This mirrored Kilmer’s real-life condition when he battled throat cancer, offering a unique opportunity for the character’s voice to authentically reflect a condition akin to the actor's own struggles, thereby creating a profound bridge between the role and the performer.

The production of “As Deep as the Grave,” an independent film, endured considerable setbacks, including shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which stretched its production timeline to six years. At one juncture, scenes involving Father Fintan were cut due to budget constraints and time limitations. However, upon reviewing the footage, the filmmakers realized these scenes represented a “major missing element” crucial for rounding out the narrative. Given their inability to recast an actor or afford reshoots as a non-studio production, they recognized that the necessary technology was available to help them innovate a solution.

Acknowledging the heated debate surrounding AI within the creative community, particularly concerns about job displacement and the unauthorized use of actors’ likenesses, the Voorhees brothers addressed the ethical considerations directly. They expressed hope that “As Deep as the Grave” would demonstrate how AI can be used ethically in filmmaking, emphasizing that the production adhered to SAG guidelines and ensured compensation to Kilmer’s estate for his appearance.

Mercedes Kilmer further reiterated her support, stating that her father was a “deeply spiritual man” who strongly resonated with the film’s “story of discovery and enlightenment” set in the American Southwest, an area he called home in New Mexico. She also noted that Val “always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling,” a spirit that is being honored through his integral involvement in this specific film.

This venture was not Kilmer's first experience with AI-assisted vocal performance. During his lifetime, the actor, known for iconic roles in films such as “The Doors” and “Batman Forever,” previously partnered with Sonantic to create an AI-powered speaking voice when he reprised his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick.” At that time, Kilmer conveyed his immense gratitude for the technology, stating, “As human beings, the ability to communicate is the core of our existence and the side effects from throat cancer have made it difficult for others to understand me. The chance to narrate my story, in a voice that feels authentic and familiar, is an incredibly special gift.”