Val Kilmer 'Resurrects' in As Deep as the Grave via AI, Trailer Released at CinemaCon

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Val Kilmer, the iconic actor who died on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65 after battling pneumonia and throat cancer, has been "resurrected" on the big screen through artificial intelligence (AI) technology in his latest film, "As Deep as the Grave."

The film's first trailer premiered on April 15, 2026, at CinemaCon, the annual Las Vegas film convention, showcasing Kilmer's captivating return.

In this intriguing historical drama, Val Kilmer plays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist.

This role marks the actor's return to film, although he never filmed a single physical scene for the film due to his deteriorating health.

"As Deep as the Grave" promises a unique cinematic experience, where the boundaries between reality and technology are increasingly blurred.

Val Kilmer was originally cast for the film in 2020, but health issues due to throat cancer prevented him from filming.

Although his visual appearance was replicated by AI, the film successfully retained Val Kilmer's original voice.

This voice had previously been digitally replicated by the AI ​​company Sonantic.

The filmmakers claim that Val Kilmer has significant screen time, over an hour and 17 minutes, in the film. The film's trailer also features Val Kilmer in various age stages.

This includes a look reminiscent of his younger self in his 30s in a flashback scene, as well as an older appearance.

The technique itself previously used in "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022), where he reprised his role as Iceman.

Val Kilmer himself expressed his gratitude to the Sonantic team for restoring his voice, calling it a "very special gift" that allowed him to tell his story with a voice that felt authentic and familiar.

Val Kilmer's worsening health due to throat cancer in 2020 prevented him from directly participating in the filming process.

However, the filmmakers managed to digitally recreate his performance using advanced artificial intelligence tools.

This technology allowed Val Kilmer to portray his character without being on set.

The film, previously known as "Canyon Del Muerto," is a historical drama set in the Southwest desert, centers on archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, who work tirelessly to uncover Native American history.

Val Kilmer's role as Father Fintan is expected to add depth to the film's narrative with his entire performance in the film is entirely AI-generated.

The use of AI technology to recreate Val Kilmer in this film was not undertaken lightly.

The process received full approval from his estate, including his two children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer.

Family approval is key to ensuring the ethical use of AI.

Mercedes Kilmer has openly stated that her father, Val Kilmer, always viewed new technology with optimism.

Director Coerte Voorhees and producer John Voorhees emphasized their commitment to following Screen Actors Guild (SAG) guidelines.

The Kilmer family even provided valuable archival materials that the production used to create the AI's performance.

"We were so glad they were excited and so supportive of the idea," Coerte added.