Artificial intelligence continues to reshape Hollywood, and the latest example is both groundbreaking and controversial. Val Kilmer, who passed away in April 2025 at the age of 65, will appear in the upcoming film As Deep as the Grave through generative AI technology.
First Line Films announced the project this week, confirming that Kilmer’s estate approved the use of his likeness. According to reports, Kilmer had initially “signed on” to the film before health issues limited his participation.
The Debate Over AI in Hollywood
AI adoption in the entertainment industry has sparked heated debate. While some see it as a tool to expand storytelling, others view it as a threat to authenticity and creative integrity. Actor Morgan Freeman has openly criticized AI imitators, while Matthew McConaughey went so far as to trademark his voice and image to protect against unauthorized use. Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has been blunt, saying he would “rather die” than use generative AI in his films.
Kilmer’s digital role adds fuel to the ongoing conversation about whether AI should be used to recreate performances after an actor’s death.
Family Approval and Legacy
Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, expressed support for the project, noting that her father always embraced emerging technologies. “He always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling. This spirit is something that we are all honoring within this specific film,” she said in a statement.
Her comments suggest that the family sees the AI-rendered role as consistent with Kilmer’s creative outlook.
Wider Concerns About AI
Beyond Hollywood, AI has raised concerns across industries. Communities near data centers have complained about noise and pollution, while rising electricity costs have sparked nationwide frustration. Officials have warned that the public grid is reaching capacity, highlighting the broader impact of AI adoption.
In creative fields, novelists and artists have objected to tech companies using their work to train AI models without permission or compensation. These disputes underscore the tension between innovation and exploitation.
A Controversial Milestone
While Kilmer’s estate will be compensated for the use of his likeness, questions remain about whether the actor himself ever explicitly agreed to continue acting after his death. For many, the ethical implications of resurrecting performances through AI remain unresolved.
Still, As Deep as the Grave represents a milestone in the integration of AI into mainstream cinema. Whether audiences embrace or reject the digital recreation of Kilmer’s presence, the film is certain to spark debate about the future of acting, technology, and legacy.
