SAG-AFTRA has issued a statement regarding the use of artificial intelligence to recreate the late actor Val Kilmer in the upcoming film ‘As Deep as the Grave’. Amid the ongoing debate over the use of AI in Hollywood films, SAG-AFTRA shared its stance on the case.
He recreated Val Kilmer with AI
Kilmer, who died in 2025, was named after Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist. However, according to Variety, he was unable to film his scenes due to his battle with throat cancer. Filmmaker Coerte Voorhees approached AI about including the actor in the project and got approval from Kilmer’s estate and his children.
SAG-AFTRA issues statement
Formally commenting on the same, SAG-AFTRA released a statement: “The applicable SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreement, as well as state law, requires the permission of the estate to use a digital replica of a deceased performer in a film. We understand that permission was obtained from the family for the announcement of the digital AI replica of Val Kilmer for the upcoming ‘As Deep as the Grave’. We take these obligations seriously and will continue to strictly comply with contractual requirements and legal regulations. Any use of digital replicas must be transparent, properly authorized and fully in line with the rights of the performers and their estates.”
‘As Deep as the Grave’ director reacts to AI backlash
Last week, director Voorhees defended his decision to turn to technology to cast the actor in his film, stating, “This role was the actor I wanted to play. It was very much designed around him. From his Native American heritage and his connections and love of the Southwest.” He added: “His family kept saying how important they thought the film was and that Val really wanted to be a part of it. As controversial as some may call it, this is what Val wanted.“
Val Kilmer’s daughter reacts
Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer also assured her support and approval for the project. In a statement, he told the portal, “he always looked with optimism at emerging technologies as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling.”
How Val Kilmer was replicated using AI
According to the report, the film uses both archival footage and footage provided by the family to bring Kilmer to life on the big screen. His voice was also created using old clips, as the actor’s vocal cords were damaged after cancer treatment.‘As Deep as the Grave’ was originally started before the COVID-19 pandemic. The film’s production was subject to several delays, extending production for a total of six years.
