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A year after the actor’s death, an AI version of Val Kilmer will co-star in an independent film, one of the most prominent uses of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
First Line Films announced Wednesday that Kilmer has joined the cast of the upcoming film Deep as a grave. Producers said that, before his death, Kilmer had signed on to star in the film but could not due to his health.
Kilmer’s estate has granted permission for his digital reproduction, and he is being compensated for it. Mercedes Kilmer, the actor’s daughter, said that her place is with her father.
“He has always looked at emerging technologies with hope as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling,” he said in a statement. “This spirit is something we all respect in this film, he was an important part of it.”
Kilmer died last April at the age of 65 from pneumonia. In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer and required two tracheotomies.
After losing his natural speaking voice, Kilmer turned to an AI software company to digitally recreate his voice. In his last screen performance, in 2022 Top shot: MaverickKilmer’s voice was digitally altered.
The entry of AI into simulation
The use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking has been one of the most hotly debated topics in Hollywood in recent years. Recently, some have tried to make a big intervention in the performance generated by AI.
The company Xicoia last year introduced the AI-concocted persona “Tilly Norwood.” Earlier this month, the company released a music video for the first time.
SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, has criticized Xicoia’s “AI actor,” but has rules regarding other uses of the technology. Its rules state that permission from players must be given to use digital replicas. “Consent not obtained prior to death must be obtained from an authorized representative or union,” its guidance reads.
CBC Kids news contributor Mela Pietropaolo explores the history of simulation from its origins in ancient Greece to the introduction of artificial intelligence.
SAG-AFTRA representatives did not immediately respond to questions Wednesday.
In an email, writer-director Coerte Voorhees and producer John Voorhees said SAG guidelines were followed.
“We believe that we are working as guides on how to do things ethically and in the right way, especially in the matter of dealing with the estate of a deceased actor and his family,” they said.
Deep as a gravewhich used to have a title Canyon of the Deadwas shot a few years ago but has been stuck in production. It’s based on the true story about archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, whose excavations in Arizona revealed aboriginal history.
The AI version of Kilmer plays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Indigenous Spiritist. The cast includes Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton, Wes Studi and Abigail Breslin.
Coerte Voorhees said Kilmer, who said she has Cherokee ancestry, was drawn to the project five years ago. The producers are looking for distribution hoping to release the film this year.
“It was very unfortunate that his health at the time prevented him from playing this role that spoke to him spiritually and culturally,” said Voorhees. “We are honored to work with his daughter Mercedes, who has her own filmmaking experience, to bring this character to life in the way we all envisioned.”
