Val kilmer's ai resurrection in 'as deep as the grave' stirs controversy

The late Val Kilmer is set to return as a digital avatar in the upcoming indie film 'As Deep as the Grave', a decision met with both praise and criticism. The 65-year-old actor passed away last year after a long battle with throat cancer, but his estate and daughter Mercedes have given their blessing for him to be brought back to life via AI technology.

Technological magic, ethical debate

A pioneer in the use of AI for performance capture, Kilmer had previously worked with a company to create an AI-powered speaking voice, using hours of archival footage to train the model. This tech will be employed to recreate the late star's iconic voice for his role as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest with Native American spiritualist ties, in 'As Deep as the Grave'.

While some see the move as an innovative way to honor Kilmer's legacy and complete the film, others argue it's a questionable use of his likeness and voice. This isn't the first time a deceased actor has been digitally resurrected – Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Ian Holm as Ash in Alien, and Harold Ramis as Dr. Egon Spengler in Ghostbusters are just a few examples.

However, the trend has sparked intense debate over the ethics of using a deceased star's image and voice without their direct consent. Nicolas Cage recently slammed the practice, claiming that any actor who lets AI alter their performance is heading 'toward a dead end' as 'robots cannot reflect the human condition.'

Meanwhile, Chris Pratt dismissed the panic around AI 'actors', calling it 'bullshit.' The use of AI in film and gaming, including the recent AI Darth Vader in Fortnite, is set to continue, with proponents arguing it expands creative possibilities and allows beloved characters to live on. As the technology advances, so too will the discussions around the rights and respect due to the individuals whose likenesses are being recreated.