Val Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, has come to the defence of her late father’s use of generative artificial intelligence in the film *As Deep as the Grave*. This response comes in light of mixed public reactions surrounding the posthumous use of the actor’s likeness and voice, particularly after his death in April 2025.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/mercedes-kilmer-val-kilmer-042926-b60562e9297c4136a0ef5ada475ad9fa.jpg)
In an interview on the *Today* show, Mercedes elaborated on how the project initially aimed to navigate the difficulties her father faced due to his health issues. “It started off as a way to overcome the limitations of his illness,” she explained. “But then it evolved into something that he really was like, ‘Oh, wait. I have a chance to actually set a precedent.’” This comment underscores her father’s desire to explore new frontiers in storytelling even as he battled throat cancer, a diagnosis he received in 2014.
Val Kilmer passed away due to pneumonia at the age of 65. In the years preceding his death, he collaborated with a UK-based tech firm, Sonantic, to develop a digital model of his voice, aiming to regain his ability to communicate. This innovation has been pivotal in *As Deep as the Grave*, where his character, Father Fintan, is portrayed in a manner that is deeply respectful of Kilmer’s legacy.
Mercedes noted that the reactions to the film’s technological approach are quite divided. She observed a split between those within the industry who feel threatened by AI and more established figures who might perceive the technology as a means of enhancing artists’ control over their intellectual property. “I’ve received a lot of positive responses from older individuals in the industry who see it as a way to protect that actors’ ownership of their IP,” she said, stressing the necessity for the industry to engage with these advancements proactively.
Coerte Voorhees, the writer and director of *As Deep as the Grave*, shared insights on the project, noting that the character of Father Fintan was specifically designed for Kilmer. He reflected on the actor’s personal struggles at the time of filming, stating, “His family kept saying how important they thought the movie was and that Val really wanted to be a part of this.” Voorhees emphasised that while some might find it controversial, the film represents what Kilmer wanted to contribute to storytelling.
The project was carefully produced, adhering to industry standards, with full approval from Val’s estate for the use of his image and voice. Mercedes confirmed that she actively supported the film, ensuring that the estate was compensated in accordance with Screen Actors Guild (SAG) guidelines. “He always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling,” she said, reinforcing the vision and spirit her father held towards innovation in the arts.
She further added that the discourse around the use of AI in the creative sector is essential, recognising the varying apprehensions and perspectives. She asserted, “We have to contend with this technology one way or the other. And avoiding it is not necessarily the solution.” Her passion for music and connection with her artistic peers gives her a unique perspective on the apprehensions being voiced about the implications of AI in creative industries.
Mercedes Kilmer’s defence of her father’s legacy through the film illustrates the delicate balance between technological innovation and artistic integrity. *As Deep as the Grave* serves not only as a vehicle for Val Kilmer’s enduring spirit but also as a touchstone for critical discussions about the future of storytelling in the age of artificial intelligence.