A.I. generated Val Kilmer stars in new movie – watch trailer
Apr 16, 2026, 5:55 PM | Updated: 5:58 pm
Val Kilmer is officially the first deceased actor to be brought back by AI for a major film role.
Val Kilmer died on April 1, 2025, at 65. A year later, he’s starring in a new movie.
The first trailer for “As Deep as the Grave” debuted Wednesday at CinemaCon, featuring an AI-generated performance from Kilmer as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist. It is a historical biopic.
The trailer shows Kilmer at two ages, and he appears on screen for over an hour of the film.
What sets this apart is the permission. Kilmer was cast before he died.
When he passed, the filmmakers — brothers Coerte and John Voorhees — initially cut his role.
But as AI improved, they approached Kilmer’s children, Mercedes and Jack, who approved the project, contributed archival materials, and were compensated.
The production followed SAG-AFTRA guidelines on consent and collaboration.
No release date yet, but the filmmakers plan for sometime in 2026.
What does this mean for Hollywood? Does this mean we will one day have a movie with Marilyn Monroe as the lead actress again?
Anything is possible at the speed that A.I is advancing.
Read more about the legalities of A.I and Hollywood and watch the trailer here
Or watch it here on
Whether you think it’s a breakthrough or a line that shouldn’t be crossed, it’s worth paying attention to, because this won’t be the last time it happens.
