'As Deep as the Grave' trailer resurrects Val Kilmer with generative AI

The upcoming historical drama, As Deep as the Grave –previously known as Canyon of the Dead– of First Line Filmspresented at CinemaCon 2026 his first official trailerstarring Val Kilmerin a posthumous and unprecedented participationsince his role was carried out using generative artificial intelligence.

Unlike other projects, whose production was underway when its protagonist died, and filming had to be completed with the help of a substitute – such as the case of Brandon Lee or Paul Walker – the Kilmer's participation was done entirely using IA.

Kilmer, who died on April 1, 2025, at age 65, due to complications from pneumonia resulting from chronic health problems stemming from throat cancer diagnosed in 2014, was originally cast in the role of Father Fintan, a Native American Catholic priest and spiritualist and historical figure at the San Juan Mission in Farmington, New Mexico, however, Kilmer was unable to film his part due to his deteriorating health.

VAL KILMER'S DAUGHTER APPROVED THE USE OF GENERATIVE AI TO RECREATE HER FATHER

With the collaboration of the estate of Kilmer and his daughter Mercedes Kilmerthe team As Deep as the Grave used generative artificial intelligence to include the actor in the film.

“My father was a deeply spiritual man, and this story of discovery and enlightenment in the American Southwest, as well as his unique role in it, was very meaningful to him. He always viewed new technologies with optimism, as a tool to expand narrative possibilities. This spirit is something we all honor in this film, of which he was a fundamental part.”

Kilmer appears several times in the trailer presented at CinemaCon, showing him at different stages of his life. “Don't fear the dead, and don't fear me,” Kilmer's character tells a girl, kneeling to look her directly in the eyes.

The preview is available at the end of the note (via Variety).

As Deep as the Grave is billed as “a true action-adventure portrait of southwestern archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris. The film tells the story of their excavations in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, and the history of the Navajo people.”

Coerte Voorhees He is the director, screenwriter and producer. He, along with his brother and producer John Voorheesclaim to have found an ethical way to use the controversial technology, with the help of Kilmer's family.

KILMER APPEARS FOR OVER AN HOUR IN 'AS DEEP AS THE GRAVE'

The brothers insist that They only used technology out of necessity. and for the deep desire to include Kilmer in his project. They also point out that production was adjusted to Actors Guild rules (SAG) and compensated Kilmer's heirs for their participation. The actor's family provided footage that the production used to recreate the performance.

The filmmaker declared at CinemaCon that Kilmer's character appears for more than an hour of the film.

The main cast includes Abigail Lawrie (Cold Water), Tom Felton (Harry Potter), y Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine), con Hanako Footman, Ewen Bremner, Tatanka Means, Find Jonesy Jacob Fortune-Lloyd.

The Navajo Nation and the National Park Service facilitated filming at the actual archaeological sites in Canyon de Chelly and throughout the Four Corners region.

The film has been in post-production for three years, and is seeking distribution.

Exclusive CinemaCon 2026 trailer: