The film industry is entering a new era — one that blurs the line between life and death, between a real actor and a digital character. In a drama project currently in development, a late Hollywood star is expected to appear on screen, recreated using advanced artificial intelligence.
At the center of the story is Val Kilmer, the Hollywood actor who died last year at age 65 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Although he was unable to take part in filming for the drama As Deep As the Grave, in which he had been set to star before his death, the filmmakers decided not to replace him — instead integrating him into the story using technology that reconstructs his face, voice and expressions.
The film, based on real events from the early 20th century, follows American researchers operating in the southwestern United States who encounter complex interactions with Native communities. The role intended for Kilmer is considered one of the story’s central characters, turning the question of “how to continue without him” into both a creative and technological challenge.
Filmmaker Coerte Voorhees told Variety that Kilmer had always been his first choice for the role, citing the actor’s Native American heritage, personal connections and deep affinity for the Southwest as key sources of inspiration.
To bridge the gap, the production is using archival footage of Kilmer from throughout his career alongside advanced voice and motion-generation technologies. The aim, Voorhees said, is not merely to present Kilmer on screen, but to create a sense that he is truly present.
Kilmer’s family — his children, Jack and Mercedes — have given their blessing and remained closely involved in the process. They view the effort as fulfilling his wish to be part of the project, despite not living to see its completion.
According to Voorhees, the family repeatedly emphasized how important the film was to Kilmer and how strongly he wanted to be involved. He added that Kilmer saw the story as significant and wanted to be associated with it, even if some may view the approach as controversial.
This is not the first time artificial intelligence has entered Hollywood, which has already seen several deceased actors “brought back to life” through technology. Carrie Fisher, for example, was digitally recreated to reprise her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) after her death.
However, Kilmer’s case is seen as precedent-setting due to the weight of his role in the film and the significant screen time he is expected to have.