As Deep as the Grave: filmmakers defend AI recreation of Val Kilmer

The film As Deep as the Grave, which uses an AI recreation of Val Kilmer, has sparked both curiosity and backlash. Kilmer, who died in 2025, never recorded any material for the film. The first teaser trailer for the movie was shown at CinemaCon, with a Q&A hosted by Variety’s Brent Lang and attended by filmmakers Coerte and John Voorhees.

The reveal of AI-Kilmer

The decision to use Val Kilmer as an AI version in the film has proven controversial. The filmmakers stress that Kilmer’s children, Mercedes and Jack, were enthusiastic supporters of the idea. Using AI to place a deceased actor into a film raises questions about the ethics of the process. John Voorhees said, “That is absolutely their right to say that,” in response to concerns about the authenticity of their choice.

Story and themes of the film

As Deep as the Grave is set in the 1920s and is inspired by real archaeologists, husband-and-wife duo Earl and Ann Morris, played by Tom Felton and Abigail Lawrie. The pair are known as inspirations for Indiana Jones, and Ann is recognized as the first female archaeologist. Kilmer’s role as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest with tuberculosis, was originally crucial to the story. Voorhees said that, even without Kilmer, they felt his character was essential to the film.

Technical challenges and creative solutions

Production on the film began in late 2020, but was interrupted by Covid-19, leading to a series of delays. Kilmer, who initially agreed to play the role, had to step away because of his health. The decision to use AI came from the need to keep a key character in the story despite the circumstances. The filmmakers used creative editing to build interactions with Father Fintan, allowing the other actors to perform alongside the AI version.

Reactions and controversy

Public reaction to Kilmer’s AI recreation is divided. While some are curious about the possibilities of the technology, others see it as morally questionable. The filmmakers, however, believe they followed the proper steps, including obtaining permission from Kilmer’s family and respecting current guidelines for AI recreations. Coerte Voorhees emphasized that Kilmer’s influence on the AI performance was significant, but not comparable to a real acting performance.

The film raises important questions about the future of acting and the use of AI in the film industry. Using technology to recreate deceased actors, as in As Deep as the Grave, may open up interesting possibilities, but it also brings moral and ethical debates that cannot be ignored.