The creators of the independent film “As Deep as the Grave” showcased a preview of an AI-generated version of Val Kilmer at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The character, Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Indigenous spiritualist, uttered, “Don’t fear the dead and don’t fear me,” in the trailer.
Val Kilmer passed away last year at the age of 65 due to pneumonia. The decision to use generative AI to resurrect Kilmer for this historical drama stirred controversy when it was announced recently. The trailer depicted Kilmer’s character at different life stages.
During a panel discussion at CinemaCon, writer-director Coerte Voorhees and his brother John addressed the ethical considerations surrounding the use of technology to recreate a performance by a deceased actor. They clarified that they collaborated with Kilmer’s family and the actors’ union to handle the situation respectfully. Voorhees noted that while the performance was influenced by Val Kilmer, it was not termed as a direct portrayal by the late actor.
Producer John Voorhees acknowledged the riskiness of employing AI actors inspired by real individuals but stressed that they adhered to the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) guidelines focusing on consent, compensation, and collaboration. This framework was established following a conflict between studios and SAG-AFTRA during the 2023 industry strike, leading to a contract on the permissible usage of AI performers.
The concept of synthetic performers, like Tilly Norwood created by Particle6, has faced criticism for potentially diminishing the need for human actors. Despite being featured in a single production, concerns have been raised about the impact of such creations on the entertainment industry.
Apart from entirely artificial performers, there are categories involving the recreation of real individuals, such as digital replicas and digital alterations. The use of computer technology to enhance or modify actors’ performances predates the rise of AI, with examples like digital de-aging techniques employed in movies such as “Gemini Man” and “Captain Marvel.”
The emergence of independently created digital replicas, as seen in Kilmer’s digital likeness in “As Deep as the Grave,” has raised discussions about the ethical implications of utilizing AI in entertainment. The involvement of deceased celebrities like James Dean in potential future projects further fuels the debate surrounding the use of AI in film production.
Val Kilmer’s estate approved the digital replication of the late actor for the film after providing archival footage to facilitate the process. Kilmer himself had previously used AI technology to reproduce his voice following health complications, showcasing a prior acceptance of such advancements.
Despite initial challenges with Kilmer’s involvement in the film, the creators proceeded with the digital replication after receiving positive feedback from Kilmer’s family. The runtime featuring Kilmer’s digital presence in “As Deep as the Grave” is reportedly substantial, with plans for a release later this year.
