Val Kilmer to be featured in new movie via generative AI

Almost a year after his death, a new movie will feature the likeness of late \

Almost a year after his death, Val Kilmer's likeness is set to appear in a new movie, though the late actor never spent a second on the set.

In an interview published on Wednesday, March 18, writer and director Coerte Voorhees told Variety that generative AI was used to put Kilmer in the upcoming movie "As Deep as the Grave." The "Top Gun" star had been cast in the film before he died, but he was unable to shoot any scenes due to his health.

Kilmer's family is supportive of the movie and provided the production with younger images of him to use, according to Variety, which notes the estate was also compensated.

"His family kept saying how important they thought the movie was and that Val really wanted to be a part of this," Voorhees told the outlet. "He really thought it was important story that he wanted his name on. It was that support that gave me the confidence to say, okay let's do this. Despite the fact some people might call it controversial, this is what Val wanted."

Voorhees also explained that Kilmer's role of a Catholic priest named Father Fintan was "designed around" the actor and draws on his "Native American heritage and his ties to and love of the Southwest."