Val Kilmer to appear in As Deep As The Grave via generative AI (www.techradar.com)

Val Kilmer, who passed away in 2025, is set to make a posthumous appearance in the upcoming movie "As Deep As The Grave," thanks to advancements in generative AI technology. Directed by Coerte Voorhees, the film will utilize recorded voice samples and images of Kilmer to recreate his character—a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist—despite Kilmer not having filmed any scenes due to health issues. Voorhees emphasized that the character was designed specifically around Kilmer, drawing on his cultural background. The project has received surprising support from Kilmer's family, who believe he would have embraced this innovative form of storytelling. The use of generative AI in film raises significant questions for the AI/ML community, particularly regarding the ethical implications and viewer experiences of AI-generated characters. While the technology has shown impressive capabilities, as evidenced by a teaser image of Kilmer, there are concerns about the “uncanny valley” effect, which may distract audiences from the film's narrative. As the technology continues to blend the line between reality and computer-generated imagery, the reception of Kilmer's portrayal in this historical action film will likely influence future projects that similarly leverage AI to revive or create digital performances.