AI Val Kilmer has been labeled “horrifying” but filmmakers say the film is ethical

The makers of a new film starring the late Val Kilmer in a prominent role say their approach is ethical and paves the way for the use of artificial intelligence in Hollywood.

The indie film As Deep as the Grave features an AI-rendered version of Val Kilmer.

A trailer for the film was unveiled at CinemaCon in Las Vegas this week.

Filmmaking brothers Coerte and John Voorhees say they sought consent from Kilmer’s children to use AI to portray him in the film.

As Deep as the Grave is a historical drama based on the careers of archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, who researched the history of the Navajo people of New Mexico.

The use of generative AI to recreate Kilmer for the film became a hot topic when it was announced last month.

According to the filmmakers, archival footage, photos and voice recordings were used to create the performance.

Writer and director ‌Coerte Voorhees said in an interview that he didn’t think the audience would realize it wasn’t human…