Val Kilmer Returns as AI in New Trailer For "As Far as the Grave"
Val Kilmer’s likeness digitally recreated through artificial intelligence (AI) has been shown in a teaser trailer for As Far as the Grave. This is considered the first major posthumous use of generative AI performance made with consent of the estate, according to Euronews.
A trailer for As Far as the Grave opens with the familiar tone and cadence of a voice. Val Kilmer’s unique rasp voices a monologue about mortality. However, in January 2022, Kilmer passed away. So, what audiences hear and see is an AI-generated digital replica of Kilmer, approved by his estate. The creation of this digital replica is the latest step toward the movie industry experimenting with digital revival. In contrast to earlier posthumous CGI uses that involved body double shots and pre-existing footage, this film incorporates what its producers describe as current state-of-the-art video AI techniques to create all-new performances. Importantly, the fact that the estate was involved sets this apart from unauthorized digital impersonations (synthetic fakes), establishing it as a test case of how the entertainment industry will handle digital performances after an actor dies.
There is very little shown in the trailer to give audiences any idea of the quality of the AI performance, aside from fleeting glimpses. Kilmer appears mostly in shadow throughout most shots, with his face partially hidden. Whether this decision is artistic or intended to hide potential technical shortcomings cannot be determined. The voice work seems to be more believable than the visual aspects; however, due to heavy compression in the trailer, definitive assessment of either component is difficult.
Attempts at digital resurrection of deceased actors have met with varying results. Peter Cushing’s CGI character in Rogue One required extensive hand animation to bring to life. A proposed but ultimately canceled CGI version of James Dean in Finding Jack caused significant backlash within the entertainment community. There are several factors that distinguish this instance from prior ones. Video AI technology has evolved dramatically since these two instances occurred. Also, unlike those cases, there was direct and specific estate involvement.
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The production team has kept mum about specifics regarding technological advancements. According to Euronews, the production utilized video AI technologies and additional advanced techniques; however, they provided no further information regarding which specific models or processes were used. They did not provide further detail regarding whether custom-trained models based on Kilmer’s vast film library were developed, or if commercially available video generation software was used along with targeted prompts.
Transparency is important in this regard because it enables evaluation of both the technical accomplishment and precedents being established. If substantial manual cleanup was performed post-production to achieve the final product, then this would be distinct from a scenario where AI systems can produce convincing human performances using a minimum amount of user intervention. The difference impacts a multitude of areas ranging from production cost to labor disputes involving unionized performers working with digital doubles.
The Screen Actors Guild has struggled with determining rights related to AI performances since well before the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes. Presently, SAG contracts cover digital versions of performing artists who are still alive; however, posthumous use is generally subject to agreements made between estates and individuals. Depending upon public reaction to Kilmer’s portrayal and the degree of transparency exhibited by the production regarding their process, Kilmer’s experience could set a model for future productions, or alternatively could serve as a cautionary example.
It remains to be seen if obtaining approval from an artist’s estate will be a primary factor distinguishing legitimate AI performances from unauthorized synthetic “fakes.” Due to the lack of disclosure of technical specifics, evaluation of AI capability remains speculative. Use of shadows and partial concealment of Kilmer’s face in many shots from the trailer implies potential limitations with regards to facial generation. This marks a transition from using CGI recreations that require extensive manual effort, to generating completely new performances via AI. Audience reaction, coupled with knowledge regarding the extent of human manual work required to enhance the AI generated content will likely determine how receptive the entertainment community will be to this development.
As Far as the Grave is slated for release next month although at present no critic preview screenings have been scheduled. It will be up to audiences viewing the entire performance in addition to selected scenes from the trailer to determine whether As Far as the Grave demonstrates significant advancements in AI performance or merely represents improved marketing of currently available techniques.