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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Shahana Yasmin

Val Kilmer to posthumously star in new film thanks to AI

Val Kilmer Mercedes (Person)
  • Actor Val Kilmer will appear posthumously in the forthcoming film "As Deep as the Grave" through the use of generative artificial intelligence.
  • Kilmer was cast in 2020 but was unable to shoot due to health issues from throat cancer, which resulted in the loss of his voice before his death in April 2025 from pneumonia.
  • The AI-generated version will portray Kilmer's character, Father Fintan, at different stages of his life, using images from his youth and later years.
  • The film's director, Coerte Voorhees, confirmed that Kilmer's children, Mercedes and Jack, gave their blessing for the AI recreation, with Mercedes saying her father was optimistic about technology for storytelling.
  • The use of AI for Kilmer's role occurs amid ongoing industry debate and concerns, including those raised during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, regarding artificial intelligence in filmmaking.

IN FULL

AI replica of Val Kilmer will appear in a new movie – one year after his death

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