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AI Recreates Val Kilmer for Posthumous Film Role
18 Mar
Summary
- Val Kilmer's estate and daughter approved AI use in the film.
- AI recreated Kilmer’s likeness and voice for his character.
- The film tells the true story of Southwestern archaeologists.
The independent film "As Deep as the Grave" has utilized generative AI to feature the late Val Kilmer in a posthumous role. Initially cast as Father Fintan, Kilmer was unable to film due to his battle with throat cancer. Director Coerte Voorhees, with the full support of Kilmer's estate and daughter Mercedes, used AI to recreate Kilmer's likeness and voice.
The film chronicles the true story of Southwestern archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris and their excavations in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona. Kilmer's AI-generated character drew upon his Native American heritage and love for the Southwest. The production employed younger images of Kilmer, many provided by his family, and footage from his later years.
This project embraced emerging technology, a concept Val Kilmer himself supported. His daughter Mercedes stated her father viewed technology as a tool for expanding storytelling possibilities. The use of AI, especially for Kilmer's voice, mirrors the character's struggles with tuberculosis, mirroring Kilmer's own health challenges.
"As Deep as the Grave" faced a six-year production timeline, including COVID-19 shutdowns. The filmmakers found Kilmer's scenes essential to the narrative, opting for AI over recasting due to budget and time constraints. They aim to demonstrate ethical AI application in film, adhering to SAG guidelines and compensating Kilmer's estate.
