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April 16, 2026 7:44 pm  #1


Val Kilmer Is Dead. But A.I. Lets Him Star In A New Film

It's a trailer like few others because, while it's a brand new movie, the guy starring in it is no longer alive to, well, star in it. The preview of a new flick somewhat ironically called "As Deep As The Grave" is out and it features the late Val Kilmer at various ages, all generated by Artificial Intelligence. 

The actor, who apparently gave permission for his likeness to carry on after his death, becomes one of the first de facto stars of a new move even after he's departed this mortal coil. Kilmer died about a year ago. 

"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, noting the estate was also compensated."

So now the question is: is this amazing tech or just plain creepy? And would you go see this film knowing one of the actors in it was "As Deep As The Grave" while it was being made? And what does this portend for future flicks and departed Hollywood actors? I have to say, it's very convincing. But is that a good thing?

See first look at Val Kilmer's posthumous, AI-generated film role

 

April 16, 2026 8:08 pm  #2


Re: Val Kilmer Is Dead. But A.I. Lets Him Star In A New Film

RadioActive wrote:

So now the question is: is this amazing tech or just plain creepy? And would you go see this film knowing one of the actors in it was "As Deep As The Grave" while it was being made? And what does this portend for future flicks and departed Hollywood actors? I have to say, it's very convincing. But is that a good thing?

I think in a case like this it's okay, where the actor has given previous permission and the estate has input and is compensated for it. It depends on the end result too, and based on the trailer, the finished product does seem pretty convincing.

It wouldn't be the first time Hollywood has made a dead person come alive. Remember when The Sopranos shot a scene using Nancy Marchand's likeness after her death, using the somewhat primitive CGI of the time? That drew a lot of flack, and quite frankly, based on the video on YouTube, I've seen worse SFX.

I'm sure there was probably many other instances before that, too.





PJ


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April 16, 2026 10:00 pm  #3


Re: Val Kilmer Is Dead. But A.I. Lets Him Star In A New Film

In all seriousness, what's the difference between AI and look alike characters? 
I bet AI is a lot cheaper. 

Last edited by Radiowiz (April 16, 2026 10:00 pm)


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April 17, 2026 7:59 am  #4


Re: Val Kilmer Is Dead. But A.I. Lets Him Star In A New Film

To answer your question RadioActive, it’s just plain creepy and it’s only going to get creepier!