Val Kilmer’s Legacy Continues in Upcoming Film

The daughter of Val Kilmer believes her father would have approved of the upcoming project. Originally, Kilmer was set to star in the 2020 film, As Deep as the Grave. Unfortunately, due to his health struggles, he couldn’t take part.

Kilmer faced significant health challenges from throat cancer and ultimately passed away in 2025, at the age of 65. But his presence will still be felt on screen.

Writer and director Corte Voorhees expressed that Kilmer was the ideal choice for the role of Father Fintan, a Native American Catholic priest. “It was designed around him,” Voorhees stated. He noted that the character was deeply influenced by Kilmer’s Native American roots and his affection for the Southwest. Kilmer’s background includes Cherokee, German, Irish, and Swedish ancestry.

Reflecting on the past, the director recalled, “I was looking at the call sheet the other day. He was going through a really tough time medically and just wasn’t able to shoot.” Thankfully, following an agreement with Kilmer’s estate and the support of his family, the iconic actor will make a posthumous appearance.

Kilmer’s family has been enthusiastic about the film, with the director mentioning that they believed it was significant for the late actor. “He really wanted to be a part of this movie,” Voorhees added. As a result, Kilmer’s estate is expected to be compensated under SAG guidelines. Reports indicate that his estate will receive payments based on his current rate, akin to what he would have received if he were alive.

However, it’s important to note that consent isn’t necessary for modifications made to a project utilizing AI technology. This limits the degree of control Kilmer could have had over the finished work.

Mercedes Kilmer, Val’s daughter, has publicly embraced the use of her father’s likeness. She described him as a “deeply spiritual man” who would resonate with the film’s themes of “discovery and enlightenment.”

Adding to this sentiment, Mercedes mentioned, “He was always optimistic about new technology to expand storytelling possibilities.” She emphasized that this film aligns with his spirit and acknowledges his integral role in it.

Kilmer’s son shares similar feelings regarding his father’s representation in the film. In previous statements, Kilmer expressed gratitude for collaborating with Sonantic, an AI company that helped recreate his voice for the recent Top Gun: Maverick sequel. He reflected on how, after losing his voice to cancer, he felt a sense of restoration in being able to express himself once more.