The team behind the indie film “As Deep as the Grave” unveiled a sneak peek of the digitally rendered version of Val Kilmer, created using artificial intelligence technology, at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The character portrayed by Kilmer, Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Indigenous spiritualist, delivers a memorable line in the trailer.
Val Kilmer, who passed away at the age of 65 from pneumonia, was recreated using generative AI for this historical drama based on archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris. The use of AI to bring Kilmer back to the screen sparked controversy when it was first announced by the filmmakers. The trailer showcases Kilmer’s character at different stages of life.
During a panel discussion at CinemaCon, writer-director Coerte Voorhees and his brother John addressed the decision to use AI to resurrect a deceased actor. They emphasized that they approached the process ethically by collaborating with Kilmer’s family and adhering to guidelines set by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Although Coerte Voorhees refrained from categorizing it as a Val Kilmer performance, he acknowledged the significant influence Kilmer had on the recreated character.
Producer John Voorhees acknowledged the risks associated with using AI actors based on real individuals. He highlighted the importance of following SAG-AFTRA guidelines, emphasizing the principles of consent, compensation, and collaboration. The guidelines were established as a result of a prolonged dispute between studios and SAG-AFTRA, which was a contributing factor to the industry strike in 2023.
Aside from AI actors like Tilly Norwood, who are entirely original creations, the film industry has seen a rise in the utilization of AI for various purposes, including digital alteration and the recreation of real individuals. The practice of digitally enhancing actors’ performances predates the AI era, with films like “Gemini Man” and “The Irishman” employing digital de-aging technology.
The concept of independently created digital replicas, relevant to Kilmer’s appearance in “As Deep as the Grave,” involves producing a digital likeness of a specific performer who is not directly involved in the project. The issue of reanimating deceased celebrities came to light in 2019 when James Dean’s digital recreation for a new film was proposed by Magic City Films.
Val Kilmer had previously utilized AI technology to restore his voice after health issues affected his ability to speak naturally. His estate granted permission for his digital replication in the film, providing archival footage to facilitate the process. Despite initial health setbacks that led Kilmer to step away from the project, the creators eventually decided to reintroduce his character, Father Fintan, with the support of Kilmer’s family.
SAG-AFTRA’s stance on regulating AI use emphasizes fair compensation and the preservation of human performance in the film industry. The contract guidelines aim to ensure that the decision to use AI performers is financially justified compared to human actors. The film featuring Val Kilmer’s digitally recreated performance is scheduled for release later this year.