Filmmakers have used artificial intelligence to digitally recreate the late Val Kilmer for his role in the upcoming action-adventure film "Canyon of the Dead," with full approval from the actor's family.
Kilmer signed on to appear in the movie several years before his death in April 2025 at age 65. The film, also known as "Canyon Del Muerto," is now complete and features the AI-generated version of the actor alongside a live cast.
The movie tells the true story of archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, who helped discover one of North America's earliest civilizations, the Anasazi Basketmakers. Writer-director Coerte Voorhees led the production.
Kilmer's family gave their blessing for the posthumous AI recreation, according to reports from the European Film Market where the film is currently being presented to buyers. The movie also stars Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton, Abigail Breslin, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Ewen Bremner, Wes Studi, Finn Jones, and Bronson Webb.
This marks the second time AI technology has been used with Kilmer's likeness. Before his death, the actor worked with voice-AI company Sonantic to create a synthetic version of his voice for his appearance in "Top Gun: Maverick," released in 2022.
Kilmer, known for iconic roles including Iceman in "Top Gun," Batman in "Batman Forever," and Doc Holliday in "Tombstone," battled throat cancer for years before his death. The disease and subsequent treatments severely affected his ability to speak.
The use of AI to recreate deceased actors remains controversial in Hollywood. While some view it as a way to honor artistic commitments and preserve performances, others raise ethical concerns about consent and authenticity.
"Canyon of the Dead" currently has no announced release date. The film is being shown to potential distributors at this week's European Film Market in Berlin.