The late Val Kilmer is set to return to the big screen in an unexpected way, with an AI-generated version of the actor confirmed to star in an upcoming film — a move that has already sparked both intrigue and debate across Hollywood.

Kilmer, who died in April 2025 aged 65 following pneumonia, had previously battled throat cancer, first diagnosed in 2014. Although he later said he had recovered, the illness significantly impacted his ability to work in his later years.

Now, nearly a year after his passing, filmmakers are turning to emerging technology to fulfil a role he was originally meant to play.

The film, titled As Deep As The Grave, had first cast Kilmer back in 2020. However, due to his declining health, he was unable to take part in the project.

Writer and director Coerte Voorhees has now confirmed that generative AI will be used to recreate the actor on screen, combining archival footage from different stages of his life with younger images to build a digital performance.

Crucially, the decision has been made with the full support of Kilmer’s family. His children, Mercedes Kilmer and Jack Kilmer, have backed the project — something Voorhees says was essential in moving forward.

“His family kept saying how important they thought the movie was and that Val really wanted to be a part of this,” the filmmaker explained, adding that their support gave him the confidence to proceed despite the potential controversy.

“He really thought it was an important story that he wanted his name on. It was that support that gave me the confidence to say, okay let’s do this." 

That family consent is not just a moral safeguard — it is increasingly becoming a legal necessity in cases like this.

In many jurisdictions, the rights to a person’s likeness, voice and image continue after death and are typically controlled by their estate or next of kin. Without explicit approval, studios risk legal challenges over misuse of a performer’s identity.

In recent years, as AI and deepfake technology have advanced, the entertainment industry has begun placing even greater emphasis on securing clear consent from families to avoid ethical and legal backlash.

Kilmer’s return via AI also carries emotional weight given the scale of his legacy.

Across the 1980s and 1990s, he was one of Hollywood’s most recognisable leading men, known for a string of iconic roles. He starred as Iceman opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun, delivered a widely praised performance as Jim Morrison in The Doors, and took on the mantle of the Dark Knight in Batman Forever.

He also earned acclaim for his portrayal of Doc Holliday in Tombstone, a role often cited as one of the finest of his career.

More recently, Kilmer made a poignant return to screens in Top Gun: Maverick, where AI-assisted voice technology was used to help recreate his speech following his illness — a moment widely praised for its sensitivity and emotional impact.

The use of AI to “revive” actors is still a developing and controversial area within the film industry. While some see it as a way to honour an artist’s legacy or complete unfinished work, others raise concerns about consent, authenticity and the broader implications for performers’ rights.

In Kilmer’s case, supporters of the project argue that the circumstances are different — pointing to both his prior involvement in the film and the clear backing of his family.

As Voorhees put it, “Despite the fact some people might call it controversial, this is what Val wanted.”

Whether audiences embrace the final result remains to be seen, but the project is likely to become a major test case for how far Hollywood is willing to go in blending legacy, technology and performance in the years ahead.