The Late Val Kilmer’s Final ‘Performance’ Was Made Using Gen AI — First Look

We’re going to have to find new language for this one. First Line Films announced today that its upcoming historical drama “As Deep as the Grave” (formerly known as “Canyon of the Dead”) will, per an official press release, “feature actor Val Kilmer posthumously; a first-ever performance enabled by generative AI.” You can get a first look at the gen-ai-aided “Kilmer” above.

The release also tells us that “Kilmer was originally cast in the role of Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist who was a historical figure at the San Juan Mission in Farmington, Nm, and that the actor, who passed away in April of 2025, “was unable to film due to his deteriorating health condition.”

But while Kilmer was “unable” to film any of the project, he will still “star” (“perform”? “appear”?) in the feature, thanks (?) to generative artificial intelligence. The film has been in post-production for the past three years.