The team behind the independent film “As Deep as the Grave” unveiled the first glimpse of the digitally recreated Val Kilmer, generated using artificial intelligence technology, during a presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The character portrayed by Kilmer, Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Indigenous spiritualist, delivers a line in the trailer: “Don’t fear the dead and don’t fear me.”
Despite Kilmer’s passing at the age of 65 due to pneumonia last year, the decision to use generative AI to bring him back for the historical drama stirred controversy when it was announced by the filmmakers recently. The trailer showcases Kilmer’s character depicted at different stages of his life.
Writer-director Coerte Voorhees, accompanied by his brother John, addressed the audience at a panel discussion, shedding light on the contentious choice to employ AI technology to resurrect a deceased actor. They emphasized their ethical approach by collaborating with Kilmer’s family and adhering to the guidelines set by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) union. While Coerte Voorhees credited Val Kilmer’s influence on the performance, he refrained from labeling it as a true Val Kilmer portrayal.
The producer, John Voorhees, acknowledged the risks associated with using AI actors based on real individuals but stressed that they abided by the principles outlined by SAG-AFTRA, focusing on consent, compensation, and collaboration. The regulations governing the use of AI performers were established following a prolonged dispute between studios and SAG-AFTRA, a conflict that significantly impacted the Hollywood industry during the 2023 strike.
One of the contentious categories, synthetic performers, has sparked criticism, particularly concerning AI “actors” that are not directly modeled on any specific individual. Productions like Particle6’s creation, Tilly Norwood, have triggered concerns about the potential obsolescence of human actors. Despite being featured in a single skit titled “AI Commissioner,” the Norwood creation was met with mixed reviews.
The use of computer technology to enhance or alter actors’ performances predates the AI era, with past films facing scrutiny for digitally de-aging actors or modifying their features. The integration of AI assistance in the movie-making industry has drawn both praise and skepticism from notable figures such as director Timur Bekmambetov and Rian Johnson.
The introduction of digital replicas, a category relevant to Kilmer’s appearance in “As Deep as the Grave,” has raised ethical and creative considerations in the entertainment realm. The emergence of reanimated celebrities and the licensing of celebrity likenesses for commercial use underscore the evolving landscape of AI technology in the media industry.
Val Kilmer, who previously utilized AI technology to restore his voice post-throat cancer treatments, approved the digital replication of his persona for the film. The filmmakers’ decision to include Kilmer posthumously was met with enthusiasm and support from Kilmer’s children, ensuring a collaborative and respectful approach to his portrayal.
As the film industry navigates the complexities of AI integration, SAG-AFTRA’s stance on regulating AI use emphasizes the importance of equitable compensation and the preservation of human performance in cinematic productions. Despite the contractual provisions, some legal experts question the enforceability of these standards.
The creators revealed that Val Kilmer’s on-screen presence in the movie spans approximately one hour and 17 minutes, hinting at a longer overall runtime. The film is slated for release later this year, promising a unique blend of traditional acting and cutting-edge AI technology.
