First look at Val Kilmer’s AI-generated performance in new drama branded a “travesty”

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The first trailer for the movie As Deep As The Grave, which uses AI to recreate the likeness of Val Kilmer, has sparked debate among fans. The film’s director, Coerte Voorhees, and Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes, have explained their decision to use AI, emphasizing the late actor’s strong personal connection to the project.

Featuring Abigail Lawrie, Abigail Breslin, and Tom Felton, As Deep As The Grave tells the story of real archaeologists Ann (Lawrie) and Earl Morris (Felton) and their 1920s excavation of Ancestral Puebloan remains.

Val Kilmer was originally cast to play Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist, but his declining health kept him from filming. The actor, known for roles in films like Top Gun and Batman Forever, sadly passed away in April 2025 after a struggle with throat cancer.

After Jason Voorhees passed away, the filmmakers decided to digitally recreate Val Kilmer’s appearance in the new film, with permission from his daughter. This AI-powered performance is a key part of the marketing for As Deep As The Grave, which was shown at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, but some fans have criticized it, calling it disrespectful.

One YouTube commenter said the digital recreation of Val Kilmer was a disservice to his talent, stating, “He was a great actor – this feels like a travesty.” Another viewer pointed out that the recreation lacked the subtle expressions and inner life that made Kilmer so captivating, explaining, “It doesn’t look like him at all… that thought process showed through his eyes, and that’s what made him great.”

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“The whole thing is as dead as Val’s accurate but soulless eyes,” was another comment.

Mercedes Kilmer supports the decision to include an AI recreation of her father in the film. She explained that he was always excited about new technologies and how they could enhance storytelling (according to The Hollywood Reporter).

We’re all paying tribute to his memory and the important role he played in this film.

Director and writer Voorhees has previously explained that Val Kilmer felt a strong personal and cultural connection to the character of Father Fintan.

When Val joined the team five years ago, he instantly connected with the character of Father Fintan – a really cool figure rooted in the history and spirituality of the Southwest. He also quickly realized how important it was to get the word out about Ann Morris, who was an absolute pioneer as one of the first female archaeologists in North America. It felt like a story that needed to be told, and he got that right away.

He was deeply connected to the role, both personally and culturally, but unfortunately his health didn’t allow him to take it on at that time.

During the 2023 actors’ strike, how artificial intelligence should be used in filmmaking became a major disagreement. Actors publicly voiced their concerns, particularly regarding Tilly Norwood, who was among the first performers created using AI technology.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available! This special 100-page, full-colour magazine celebrates the life and work of Sir David Attenborough. You can find it at newsstands or order it online.

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2026-04-16 20:52