AI Brings Val Kilmer Back to the Big Screen a Year After His Death - CNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Kilmer's estate approves plans to use generative AI to resurrect the late actor for a role in the historical drama As Deep As the Grave. Senior Editor / Home Security and Smart Home Senior Editor / Home Security and Smart Home Actor Val Kilmer died a year ago, but you’ll see an AI version of him in an upcoming movie. Actor Val Kilmer died in 2025, but he’ll be seen in an upcoming movie he didn’t live to film. The historical archaeologist drama As Deep As the Grave will include an AI version of the actor who died at age 65 after a battle with throat cancer. It’s not the first time we’ve seen studios use AI this way, but it could be the most successful. Director and writer Coerte Voorhees revealed to Variety on Wednesday that he would use AI to bring Kilmer’s likeness back to play Father Fintan, a Native American priest. As Deep As the Grave tells the true story of an archaeologist couple who worked