First Major Hollywood Film Stars AI-Generated Version of Late Actor Val Kilmer
Key Takeaways
- ▸As Deep As the Grave represents the first major Hollywood film to feature an authorized generative AI version of a deceased A-list actor
- ▸The project was completed with full collaboration and consent from Val Kilmer's estate and family, setting a precedent for ethical AI recreation in entertainment
- ▸Sonantic's synthetic voice technology, combined with visual deepfake creation, enabled substantial screen time (approximately one hour) for the AI-generated character
Summary
The first trailer for "As Deep As the Grave," a western film, has been released featuring an authorized AI-generated version of actor Val Kilmer, who passed away in April 2025. Kilmer was cast in the role of Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, before his death, but never filmed any scenes due to production delays. The filmmakers partnered with UK-based AI company Sonantic to create a synthetic voice based on Kilmer's archival recordings, while his estate and daughter Mercedes collaborated on creating an authorized visual deepfake. The trailer, screened at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, shows Kilmer's character appearing for approximately one hour throughout the film in multiple time periods.
Director Coerte Voorhees stated that the film and its themes were deliberately designed around Kilmer's legacy, drawing on his Native American heritage and love of the Southwest. Mercedes Kilmer released a statement affirming that her father "always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling," and that the family supported the project as something Val wanted to be part of. The production adhered to SAG-AFTRA guidelines, with Kilmer's estate receiving financial compensation and providing archival material for the AI recreation.
- The film's use of AI was designed to honor Kilmer's artistic vision and his known optimism about technology in storytelling, rather than exploiting his image
Editorial Opinion
The release of As Deep As the Grave marks a significant moment in how entertainment can honor deceased artists while respecting their legacies—but only when done with genuine consent and family collaboration. Sonantic and the filmmakers have set an important standard by obtaining proper authorization, providing compensation, and adhering to union guidelines, establishing a model that other productions should follow. However, this success story also underscores the urgent need for clearer industry regulations and consent frameworks, as not all deepfake projects receive such ethical consideration.
