Val Kilmer’s AI-Generated Role in *As Deep as the Grave* Sparks Debate Over Posthumous Likeness Rights

Late actor Val Kilmer appears as Father Fintan in the indie film *As Deep as the Grave* via a generative-AI recreation of his image, voice, and mannerisms. The digital double uses archival footage, family photos, and a Sonantic voice model previously employed for *Top Gun: Maverick*. Kilmer died of pneumonia on April 1 2025. The producers secured estate permission and paid compensation under SAG-AFTRA guidelines.

The Wrap

Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and continued acting while receiving treatment. He was first offered the Father Fintan role in 2018 (later cited as 2020) before the COVID-19 pandemic halted production. His daughter Mercedes Kilmer and writer-director Coerte Voorhees led the AI recreation, while First Line Films produced the project.

Woman's World

The film shows AI enabling a deceased actor to appear, sparking debate over licensing, compensation, and likeness ownership. Supporters say proactive licensing protects IP and ensures pay comparable to live work; skeptics warn AI could replace performers and blur consent.

Newser

Coerte Voorhees said the part was “very much designed around” Kilmer and that a call sheet existed before his health declined, noting family support gave him confidence to proceed. The Kilmer estate confirmed it granted permission and was compensated per SAG-AFTRA standards. The production team emphasized adherence to union guidelines and the use of archival material to honor Kilmer’s optimism for new technology.

Variety Magazine

Observers called the AI resurrection “controversial” and voiced nervousness that it could replace human actors. Workers fear that without clear legal safeguards, unauthorized recreations may proliferate, threatening labor protections.

Newser

Sources differ on when Kilmer first received the role—2018 versus 2020. The film’s release date is undisclosed, and technical details of the AI pipeline remain broadly described.

The Wrap

• “It started off as a way to overcome the limitations of his illness, but then it evolved into something that he really was like, ‘Oh, wait. I have a chance to actually set a precedent,’” — Mercedes Kilmer, Daughter

Variety Magazine

• “He always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling,” — Mercedes Kilmer, Daughter

Variety Magazine

• “We have to contend with this technology one way or the other. And avoiding it, it's not necessarily the way. It's much easier to structure the rights if you proactively license something.” — Mercedes Kilmer, Daughter

People Magazine

• “I think this is a really historic precedent, and I'm really proud of him,” — Mercedes Kilmer, Daughter

Newser

The film has no announced release date, but its AI use is prompting industry discussions on licensing standards and compensation. Mercedes Kilmer says future AI uses will require prior consent, and the project may serve as a template for posthumous performances, including potential video-game adaptations.

Newser