First Trailer for ‘As Deep as the Grave’ Reveals Val Kilmer’s AI Resurrection
A new trailer for “As Deep as the Grave” has been revealed, giving audiences a first look at a film that is already getting attention for its use of AI. The preview was shown at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where the filmmakers shared how they brought Val Kilmer into the movie after his death.
According to the filmmakers and footage presented at the event, Kilmer appears throughout the film as Father Fintan. The actor passed away in 2025 after a long battle with throat cancer and was not able to film his role while he was alive. With permission from his family, including his daughter Mercedes Kilmer, the production used AI technology to complete his performance.
The trailer shows Kilmer in different forms and ages. In one moment, he looks like a younger priest, and in another, he appears almost like a ghost. In one scene, he speaks to a child and says, “Don’t fear the dead and don’t fear me.”
First trailer for ‘AS DEEP AS THE GRAVE.’
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) April 15, 2026
Val Kilmer has been resurrected via AI to star in the new movie. pic.twitter.com/Vagkpb2cBi
The movie tells the story of Ann Axtell Morris, one of the first female archaeologists in the United States, and her work at Canyon De Chelly in Arizona. Director Coerte Voorhees said the role was always meant for Kilmer and was shaped around him. He explained, “It was very much designed around him. It drew on his Native American heritage and his ties to and love of the Southwest…His family kept saying how important they thought the movie was and that Val really wanted to be a part of this.”
The director also shared at CinemaCon that Kilmer’s role is not small. His character will be on screen for more than an hour of the film.
The use of AI in this way has raised concerns in the film industry, especially as some worry it could replace actors in the future. However, the filmmakers say they only used the technology because they had no other option and wanted to respect Kilmer’s connection to the project. They also confirmed they followed industry rules and worked closely with his family, who supported the decision.
Mercedes Kilmer spoke about the project and said her father would have supported it. She explained, “He always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling. This spirit is something that we are all honoring within this specific film, of which he was an integral part.”
Beyond the AI discussion, the trailer also shows large outdoor scenes and action moments, including desert landscapes, running buffalo, and dangerous river crossings. The cast includes several well-known actors, adding to the film’s scale.
This film will likely spark a lot of debate. Using AI to bring back an actor is a sensitive topic, even with family approval. At the same time, it can be seen as a way to complete a story that meant a lot to the actor. It will depend on how audiences feel when they see it on screen. What do you think about using AI like this in movies? Do you see it as respectful or risky? Share your thoughts in the comments.
