Val Kilmer’s controversial AI resurrection sparks backlash as fans fume: 'It should be illegal'

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by LSEG. 'Fox & Friends First' co-host Todd Piro joins 'Fox & Friends' to discuss the life and career of legendary actor Val Kilmer. Fans are reacting strongly to the news of Val Kilmer returning to the screen without ever stepping on the set. An artificial intelligence version of the actor, who died last year, will star in the new independent film "As Deep as the Grave." Kilmer was cast in the role of Father Fintan before his death but wasn’t able to do any filming because of his battle with throat cancer. And, for many, the announcement isn't good news. "He was the actor I wanted to play this role," writer and director Coerte Voorhees told Variety this week. "It was very much designed around him. It drew on his Native American heritage and his ties to and love of the Southwest. "I was looking at a call sheet the other day, and we had him ready to shoot. He