April 15, 2026
The appearance of the late actor Val Kilmer (Heat, Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick, Red Planet) in a new film as an AI-generated avatar has finally arrived. The production company behind the film, First Line Films, dropped a trailer for its upcoming film, As Deep As The Grave, as part of this week’s CinemaCon event in Las Vegas.
The 90-second clip shows other members of the cast acting in the period western, but it’s Kilmer’s three appearances in the clip that will likely draw the most attention. According to the production company, Kilmer’s family signed off on the use of his image. And when he was alive, before his death in April 2025, the actor expressed ongoing interest in the film project.
And while Kilmer’s family may have given approval for the AI avatar, it will be the fans who ultimately decide if this kind of AI resurrection is appropriate or even wanted in movie theaters. The film is slated to be released later this year.
Cover image via First Line Films/YouTube
