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Val Kilmer's Daughter Defends AI Performance
29 Apr
Summary
- Mercedes Kilmer defends her late father's AI portrayal.
- AI was initially to overcome illness, then set precedent.
- Estate compensated actor's estate per SAG guidelines.
Mercedes Kilmer has spoken out in defense of her late father Val Kilmer's AI-generated performance in the upcoming indie film "As Deep as the Grave." Val Kilmer passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65. His daughter explained that the use of AI began as a method to bypass the limitations imposed by his illness.
This technology then transformed into an opportunity for Kilmer to establish a precedent for how actors' digital likenesses could be managed. Mercedes noted that while some in the industry view AI as a threat, others, particularly more established figures, see it as a means to protect actors' intellectual property. The film's writer and director, Coerte Voorhees, confirmed that Val's estate provided permission and was compensated in accordance with SAG guidelines, stating it was Val's wish to be part of the important story.
