‘We’re doing this in an ethical way’

‘We are 100 per cent confident it's really the right move with this specific film’ says filmmaker Coerte Voorhees
Filmmakers behind a new movie featuring an AI -generated performance by the late Val Kilmer have defended their controversial approach, asserting it offers an ethical blueprint for the future of artificial intelligence in Hollywood.

Brothers Coerte and John Voorhees confirmed they secured permission from Kilmer’s children to utilise AI for his role in As Deep as the Grave , a narrative exploring archaeologists’ delve into Navajo history in New Mexico.

Their method involved leveraging archival footage, photographs, and voice recordings to craft the digital portrayal.

Coerte Voorhees, the film’s writer and director, expressed confidence at CinemaCon, stating, "We are 100 per cent confident it's really the right move with this specific film, and we're really, really looking forward to everyone being able to judge it for themselves."
Kilmer, celebrated for his roles in the Top Gun franchise, had initially committed to As Deep as the Grave years prior but was unable to participate in filming due to declining health.

He passed away a year ago at 65 following a battle with throat cancer .

A recently released trailer for the film showcased Kilmer’s digital likeness as Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist.

The line, "Don't fear the dead.

And don't fear me," delivered by the AI-generated character, quickly sparked a backlash on social media, with commenters branding it "terrifying" and "disgusting." One user remarked, "It's called REST IN PEACE for a reason."
Despite the criticism, Coerte Voorhees believes audiences will be unable to discern that the performance is not human.

The brothers hope their project demonstrates a responsible application of AI, particularly amidst industry concerns over unauthorised use of actors' images.

They claim to have adhered to all AI guidelines established by the SAG-AFTRA actors union.

John Voorhees emphasised, "We're making a bold claim, (a) bold statement, which is that we believe we're doing this in an ethical way," adding that Kilmer's estate not only consented but also collaborated artistically.

He acknowledged the broader apprehension, stating, "There's so much change happening that, of course, it's scary and it's something that people are uncertain about."
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