First trailer released for western starring AI version of Val Kilmer

2026-04-16 · Source: AI (artificial intelligence) | The Guardian · Field: Media & Entertainment — Content Creation & Production, Entertainment Technology & Innovation, Creative Industries & Arts · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

The first trailer for the western film "As Deep As the Grave" has been released, featuring an authorized generative AI version of actor Val Kilmer. Kilmer was cast before his death in April 2025 but did not shoot any scenes. The creative team collaborated with UK-based Sonantic for an AI speaking voice from old recordings, and his estate and daughter Mercedes worked on the visual deepfake. Kilmer, who had throat cancer, previously used technology for his 2022 "Top Gun: Maverick" cameo. In "As Deep As the Grave," Kilmer plays Father Fintan, a substantial role spanning multiple time periods, appearing for approximately an hour of the film's running time. The trailer, screened at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, shows Fintan as both a young and elderly figure.

Key takeaway

For film producers considering casting or completing projects with deceased actors, this development confirms that authorized generative AI can create substantial, multi-faceted roles. You should prioritize securing estate collaboration and adhering to industry guidelines like Sag-Aftra to ensure ethical use and financial compensation, expanding creative possibilities for storytelling.

Key insights

Authorized AI digital twins and deepfakes are enabling deceased or retired actors to star in new productions.

Principles

• Estate collaboration is crucial for ethical AI actor use.
• AI can extend an actor's legacy post-mortem.

Method

Creating an AI actor involves generating a speaking voice from archival recordings and developing a visual deepfake, often with family and estate collaboration, adhering to industry guidelines like Sag-Aftra.

In practice

• License your voice/likeness for approved AI productions.
• Explore AI twins for digital meet-and-greets.

Topics

• Generative AI
• Val Kilmer Deepfake
• AI Voice Synthesis
• Film Production
• Celebrity Digital Twins

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI (artificial intelligence) | The Guardian.