AI version of late actor Val Kilmer to co-star in new movie
Kilmer will posthumously appear in ‘As Deep as the Grave’ in one of the boldest uses yet of AI in moviemaking
Actor Val Kilmer will posthumously appear in what First Line Films calls a first-ever performance enabled by generative artificial intelligence in the upcoming film As Deep as the Grave, the production company announced on Wednesday.
Kilmer, best known for roles in Top Gun, The Doors and Batman Forever, had originally been cast as Father Fintan - a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist - but was unable to work on set due to complications stemming from throat cancer. He was 65 when he died in April last year.
Working closely with Kilmer’s estate and his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, the filmmakers say the decision to use AI technology was made with the intention of honouring the actor’s deep personal connection to the role.
“At the time that he was cast, Kilmer expressed that the character of Fintan spoke to him both culturally and spiritually,” First Line Films said in a press release, citing his Native American heritage and long-time love of the American southwest.
Written and directed by Coerte Voorhees, As Deep as the Grave follows southwestern archaeologists Ann Morris, played by Tin Star actor Abigail Lawrie, and Earl Morris, portrayed by Harry Potter star Tom Felton.