The creators of the independent film “As Deep as the Grave” unveiled a preview of the digitally rendered version of the late actor Val Kilmer at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The AI-generated portrayal of Kilmer’s character, Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Indigenous spiritualist, was featured in the trailer with the iconic line, “Don’t fear the dead and don’t fear me.”
Val Kilmer passed away last year at the age of 65. The decision to use generative AI to recreate Kilmer’s character in the historical drama sparked controversy when it was announced recently. Writer-director Coerte Voorhees and his brother John addressed the ethical considerations of utilizing technology to bring back a deceased actor. They emphasized collaborating with Kilmer’s family and the actors’ union to ensure ethical handling of the situation, although Coerte Voorhees refrained from labeling it as a Val Kilmer performance, stating that Kilmer influenced the portrayal.
Producer John Voorhees acknowledged the risks associated with using AI actors based on real individuals and highlighted the adherence to guidelines set by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) union, focusing on consent, compensation, and collaboration. The discussions around AI performers have been ongoing in the industry, with debates on the implications of synthetic actors like Tilly Norwood and the potential impact on traditional human actors.
The use of computer technology to enhance or alter actors’ performances is not new, as seen in past films like “Gemini Man” and “The Irishman.” The emergence of AI in filmmaking has raised concerns about its effects on the industry and the role of human performers. The discussion around digital replicas, digital alteration, and independently created digital likenesses further complicates the landscape of AI integration in the entertainment sector.
Val Kilmer’s estate approved the use of his digital replication in the film, providing archival footage to facilitate the process. The decision to include Kilmer’s character in “As Deep as the Grave” was made after initial hesitation due to the importance of the role in the storyline and the positive response from Kilmer’s family. SAG-AFTRA’s involvement in regulating AI use reflects the evolving dynamics between technology and human performance in the film industry.
The film featuring Val Kilmer’s digital portrayal is set to be released later this year, with Kilmer appearing on screen for one hour and 17 minutes. The creators have hinted at a longer runtime for the final production, indicating a significant impact of AI technology on the filmmaking process.