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Kilmer, who died in 2025 at 65, had been cast in the role years earlier but was unable to film due to declining health.

With the approval of his estate, including his daughter Mercedes, filmmakers used generative AI to complete the performance using archival material.

The footage shows Kilmer at different stages of life, from a younger priest to a ghost-like figure.

The use of AI to recreate a deceased actor has sparked debate in Hollywood. 

Speaking at CinemaCon, Voorhees said the team worked closely with Kilmer's family and followed industry guidelines, according to the Associated Press.

\"PHOTO:
Courtesy of First Line Films
PHOTO: An AI-generated likeness of Val Kilmer appears in the trailer for "As Deep as the Grave," unveiled by Coerte Voorhees at CinemaCon.
>

\"Val Kilmer influenced this performance,\" he said.

Producer John Voorhees described the process as risky territory but said the production adhered to SAG-AFTRA standards centered on \"consent, compensation and collaboration.\"

Kilmer's estate approved the project, was compensated and contributed materials to support the recreation, according to the filmmakers.

Filmmakers also pointed to Kilmer's own use of AI technology during his lifetime. 

After losing his natural voice following throat cancer, he worked with software to recreate it, which was later used in \"Top Gun: Maverick.\"

Production on \"As Deep as the Grave\" began in 2020 in New Mexico but faced delays during the pandemic. 

Rather than recast the role after Kilmer stepped away, the team moved forward and later revisited how to incorporate his character into the story.

\"We were so glad they were so excited and so supportive of the idea,\" the AP quoted Voorhees, referencing Kilmer's children. \"We didn't want to do it unless everybody thought this was going to work properly.\"

Kilmer appears on screen for more than an hour, according to the filmmakers. A release date has not yet been announced.

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