AI news story
First trailer released for western starring AI version of Val Kilmer
Footage of As Deep As the Grave screened in the US, featuring an authorised visual deepfake of the actor who died…
Editor's take
An authorized generative AI representation of Val Kilmer has appeared in the first trailer for the film *As Deep As the Grave*, a western.
This development signals a new frontier in digital performance, raising profound questions about actor likeness rights and the future of posthumous performances. While the Kilmer estate has sanctioned this use, its success could pave the way for similar AI recreations of other deceased actors, impacting the value of living talent and the creative control of estates.
The key question now is how audiences will respond to a fully AI-generated performance from a beloved actor. Future legal frameworks governing digital likeness and the economic implications for actors' guilds and studios will be crucial to monitor as this technology matures.