First Look: Val Kilmer Revived by AI in As Deep as the Grave

A first look at As Deep as the Grave reveals Val Kilmer recreated through AI. Kilmer, who died in 2025, had been attached to the project since 2015 but never filmed a scene; his performance was entirely crafted with AI. Writer-director Coerte Voorhees said the role was designed around Kilmer, drawing on his Native American heritage and ties to the Southwest.

The coronavirus pandemic, the 2023 writers' and actors' strikes, and Kilmer's declining health prevented him from walking onto set. The drama follows archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris as they explore connections to the Navajo people in the American Southwest and also stars Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton, Wes Studi, and Abigail Breslin.

Kilmer’s character suffers from tuberculosis, and filmmakers used generative AI for his dialogue; Mercedes Kilmer said her father was deeply spiritual, drawn to the story, and optimistic about emerging technologies, with support from his son Jack.

United States, American Southwest

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