tech
First trailer released for western starring AI version of Val Kilmer
Footage of As Deep As the Grave screened in the US, featuring an authorised visual deepfake of the actor who died in 2025
TL;DR
- A trailer for 'As Deep As the Grave' has been released, starring an authorized generative AI version of Val Kilmer.
- Kilmer's estate and daughter Mercedes collaborated with filmmakers and Sonantic to create the AI voice and visual deepfake.
- Kilmer plays Father Fintan, a role for which he is seen in both young and elderly spectral forms.
- Writer-director Coerte Voorhees stated Kilmer's role is substantial, approximately one hour of the film's runtime.
- The film's themes were designed around Kilmer's heritage and love for the south-west.
- The production followed Sag-Aftra guidelines, and Kilmer's estate was compensated.
- Other actors like Bruce Willis, Matthew McConaughey, and Michael Caine have also been involved in AI-related projects.
- Some celebrities are using AI twins for digital meet-and-greets, while others like Morgan Freeman and Tom Hanks have expressed skepticism about deepfake technology.