Actor Val Kilmer will appear posthumously in what First Line Films is calling the first-ever artificial intelligence-powered performance in an upcoming film. Deep as a Gravethe production company announced on Wednesday.
Kilmer, best known for roles in Top Gun, The doors and Batman Foreverhe was originally called Father Fintan – a Catholic priest and a native American believer – but he could not work in order due to problems caused by throat cancer. He was 65 years old when he died in April last year.
Working closely with Kilmer’s estate and her daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, the filmmakers say the decision to use AI technology was made out of the desire to honor the actor’s personal connection to the role.
“When cast, Kilmer expressed that the character of Fintan spoke to him culturally and spiritually,” First Line Films said in a press release, citing his Native American heritage and longtime love of the American Southwest.
Written and directed by Coerte Voorhees, As deep as Grave follows southwestern archaeologist Ann Morris, played by The Tin Star actress Abigail Lawrie, and Earl Morris, illustrated by Harry Potter star Tom Felton.
