Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
A year after the actor’s death, a generative AI version of Val Kilmer will co-star in an independent film, in one of the boldest uses yet of artificial intelligence in moviemaking.
First Line Films announced Wednesday that Kilmer has posthumously joined the cast of a film titled As Deep as the Grave. The producers said that, before his death, Kilmer had signed on to perform in the movie but was unable to because of his health.
Kilmer’s estate gave permission for his digital replication, and is being compensated for it. Mercedes Kilmer, the actor’s daughter, said the role resonated with her father.
“He always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling,” she said in a statement. “This spirit is something that we are all honouring within this specific film, of which he was an integral part.”
Kilmer died last April at the age of 65 from pneumonia. In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer and required two tracheotomies.
After losing his natural speaking voice, Kilmer turned to an AI software company to digitally recreate his voice. In his final screen performance, 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, Kilmer’s voice was digitally altered.
AI incursion into acting
The use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking has been one of the most contentious topics in Hollywood in recent years. Lately, some have attempted to make greater inroads for AI-generated performances.
The company Xicoia last year launched the AI-concocted persona “Tilly Norwood.” Earlier this month, the company debuted a music video.
SAG-AFTRA, the actors union, has condemned Xicoia’s “AI actor,” but it has regulations around other uses of the technology. Its rules stipulate that consent from performers must be given for the use of digital replicas. “Consent not obtained before death must be obtained from an authorized representative or the union,” reads its guidance.
CBC Kids News contributor Mela Pietropaolo explores the history of acting spanning from its origins in ancient Greece to the introduction of artificial intelligence.
Representatives for SAG-AFTRA didn’t immediately respond to questions Wednesday.
In an email, writer-director Coerte Voorhees and producer John Voorhees said SAG guidelines were followed.
“We believe we are serving as a demonstrator for how to do it ethically and correctly, especially in the case of working with a deceased actor’s estate and family,” they said.
As Deep as the Grave, formerly titled Canyon of the Dead, was shot several years ago but has been stuck in postproduction. It’s based on a true story about the archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, whose Arizona excavations uncovered Indigenous history.
The AI version of Kilmer plays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Indigenous spiritualist. The cast includes Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton, Wes Studi and Abigail Breslin.
Coerte Voorhees said Kilmer, who claimed to have Cherokee ancestry, was drawn to the project five years ago. Producers are seeking distribution with the hope of releasing the film this year.
“It was very unfortunate that his health at the time prevented him from playing this role which spoke to him spiritually and culturally,” Voorhees said. “We are honored to collaborate with his daughter Mercedes, who brings her own filmmaking experience, to bring this character to life in the way that we had all originally imagined it.”
