On 17/3, a representative for First Line Films released images of the actor in the film, stating that before his death, he had agreed to participate but was unable to film due to his battle with nasopharyngeal cancer.

"As Deep as the Grave", an independent film by director and screenwriter Coerte Voorhees, is based on the true story of two archaeologists, Ann and Earl Morris, in Arizona, My. In the film, AI recreates Val Kilmer in the role of Father Fintan, a Native American Catholic priest. The character Fintan suffers from tuberculosis, mirroring Kilmer's health condition during his lifetime.

Val Kilmer's image in "As Deep as the Grave", created by AI. Photo: First Line Films

Images were sourced from materials provided by his family, covering his youth and later years. The audio uses Kilmer's voice after it was affected by a tracheostomy.

Production spanned six years, with multiple interruptions due to the pandemic. On Variety, director Voorhees stated that the role was specifically developed for Kilmer because of his partial Native American heritage.

Kilmer's family granted permission for his digital image to be recreated. Mercedes Kilmer, the actor's daughter, said the role held significance for her father. "He always viewed new technologies with optimism, seeing them as tools to expand storytelling capabilities. This spirit is continued in the film", she said.

The use of AI in cinema has sparked considerable debate, concerning image rights and the risk of job displacement in the Hollywood industry. Some companies are experimenting with creating "AI actors", such as the virtual character Tilly Norwood developed by Xicoia. However, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) previously opposed this model, establishing regulations that require the consent of the artist or their legal representative when using digital replicas.

Producer John Voorhes stated that the project fully complies with SAG-AFTRA regulations. "We want to demonstrate that using AI can be done ethically and according to standards, especially when working with the family of a deceased artist", a film crew representative said. The project is seeking distribution partners, hoping the work can be released this year.

Val Kilmer, born in 1959, left an impression on audiences and filmmakers with his versatile acting style. He debuted in the film "Top Secret!" (1984), then rose to prominence as Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's "The Doors" (1991). He also gained attention in "Batman Forever" (1995), replacing Michael Keaton in the role of Batman.

Excerpt of Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer acting together in "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022). Video: Paramount Pictures

The actor played Iceman in the first installment of the "Top Gun" franchise, released in 1986. The character was Maverick's superior but disliked the talented young pilot's attitude and work ethic. The two later resolved their differences and became close friends.

He was hospitalized for two years from 2015-2016 due to nasopharyngeal cancer. The illness weakened his body, and his voice became distorted due to a tracheostomy after surgery to remove a tumor in his nasopharynx. After losing his voice, he collaborated with Sonantic to recreate it using AI, notably for the film "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022). In 4/2025, the actor passed away at age 66 at his home due to pneumonia.

Cat Tien (according to Variety, AP)