Back in March, we learned that the late (and great) Val Kilmer would have a posthumous role in the upcoming film As Deep as the Grave, thanks to the wonders of AI technology. The project from First Line Films finds Kilmer playing Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist. Understandably, audiences had strong reactions to seeing the actor represented by AI, with some calling for the studio to recast the role. However, we’re now hearing from Val Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, who’s coming to the defense of the late actor’s AI-generated appearance, saying people need to make their peace with the technology as it becomes a more significant tool for filmmakers.
To be clear, Kilmer, who passed away in 2025 after battling throat cancer, appears in the movie with the blessing of his daughter and his estate. Before he passed, Kilmer had previously partnered with U.K.-based company Sonantic to create an AI-powered speaking voice to reprise his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick. Knowing this, it’s not impossible to imagine that Val would be okay with AI recreating his image and likeness. Still, it’s another thing for audiences to leap when AI is creating problems around the world by distorting reality, driving up RAM prices, and making it difficult to believe what’s in front of their own eyes.
Mercedes Kilmer on using AI to recreate her father’s likeness
“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 said. “It’s kind of fallen into two camps. People that maybe have a more precarious position in the industry and are worried and see AI as a threat — which is absolutely valid — and younger people, younger actors and musicians. I’m a musician and a lot of people that I know are so scared of this technology.”
She added, “At the same time, I’ve gotten a lot of like really good responses from people — older people, people maybe more established in the industry — that see it as a way to protect that actors’ ownership of their IP. 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.”
Is this what Val would have wanted?
Coerte Voorhees, who directs As Deep as the Grave, says the role of Father Fintan was “very much designed around him.” Voorhees also says that Val was determined to complete the part despite his failing health. They discussed the circumstances at length, with the project reportedly being important to Val. Voorhees says he thinks Val would want to appear in the movie regardless of how it comes to pass.
Val Kilmer could want Voorhees to continue using his likeness for the film, but the use of AI is also a slippery slope. I could see an argument for letting this example slide, as Val’s estate and daughter are encouraging Voorhees to use his likeness in the film, but something about it feels off. Ultimately, it’s up to audiences to decide whether or not they want to engage with the film.
What’s As Deep as the Grave about?
In As Deep as the Grave, two archaeologists seek out the Canyon of the Dead, and the dead find them. The upcoming film stars Abigail Breslin, Tatanka Means, Tom Felton, Hanako Footman, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Finn Jones, We Studi, Ewen Bremner, David Midthunder, and more. The film has yet to receive a concrete 2026 release date.
