Val Kilmer resurrected by AI for 'As Deep as the Grave'

Val Kilmer has been resurrected using state-of-the-art generative AI nearly one year after his death to appear in the film As Deep as the Grave. Coerte Voorhees, the movie's writer and director, called the decision 'controversial' and said Kilmer 'was the actor I wanted to play this role' and that the part 'was very much designed around him.' Voorhees added that Kilmer had been 'ready to shoot' when the film began in 2020 but was 'going through a really, really tough time medically' and 'couldn’t do it.' Voorhees used generative AI to place Kilmer in certain scenes using photos, footage and audio recordings obtained with permission from the actor's estate and family.

He said the family 'kept saying how important they thought the movie was and that Val really wanted to be a part of this.' Mercedes Kilmer expressed support, saying, 'He always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling.' Jack Kilmer was said to be on board as well.

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