What's happened
Val Kilmer's estate approved a digital replica of the actor for the film 'As Deep as the Grave,' using AI technology. The film, directed by Coerte Voorhees, features Kilmer's likeness and voice, raising ethical questions about AI in filmmaking. The movie is in post-production and expected later this year.
What's behind the headline?
The use of AI to digitally resurrect actors like Val Kilmer signifies a major shift in filmmaking, blending technology with ethics. This move will likely accelerate the adoption of AI in Hollywood, prompting unions and industry bodies to tighten regulations. While it offers new storytelling possibilities, it also raises concerns about consent, intellectual property, and the potential for misuse. The film's approach, working closely with Kilmer's estate and family, sets a precedent for ethical AI use, but the broader industry will face ongoing debates about boundaries and rights. This development will shape future practices, possibly leading to more transparent and regulated AI performances, but also risking commodification of deceased actors' likenesses.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights the collaboration with Kilmer's estate and his daughter's support, emphasizing the tribute aspect. Sky News notes Kilmer's Cherokee heritage and his support for Native American causes, adding cultural depth. AP News discusses the ethical considerations and union regulations, emphasizing the controversy and the importance of consent. The articles collectively illustrate a complex intersection of technology, ethics, and legacy in modern filmmaking, with industry-wide implications for actor rights and AI use.
How we got here
Kilmer, diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, lost his voice after two tracheotomies. He used AI voice software to recreate his voice for films like 'Top Gun: Maverick.' The use of AI to digitally resurrect actors has become controversial, with unions like SAG-AFTRA emphasizing consent and ethical use. 'As Deep as the Grave' is based on Native American history and was shot years ago, now utilizing AI to include Kilmer's likeness posthumously.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Val Edward Kilmer is an American actor, musician and artist. Originally a stage actor, Kilmer became popular in the mid-1980s after a string of appearances in comedy films, starting with Top Secret!