00:00Hollywood may have just crossed a line that it can't walk back.
00:03Val Kilmer is starring in a brand new movie, As Deep as the Grave,
00:07even though he never filmed a single scene and passed away in 2025.
00:11Here's what's happening.
00:12According to reporting from NBC and Variety,
00:15the filmmakers used state-of-the-art generative AI to rebuild Kilmer's face,
00:19expressions, and even his damaged post-tracheotomy voice,
00:22officially making him the first major mainstream actor
00:25to appear in a significant role through full AI recreation.
00:28The director says Kilmer was originally cast years earlier,
00:32but became too sick to shoot, and that his family insisted he wanted to be a part of the film.
00:36They followed SAG guidelines and compensated his estate,
00:39but critics warn this could set a precedent that changes acting forever.
00:43Especially as the industry faces record-low box office numbers and growing distrust from audiences.
00:48What makes this even more divisive is that AI isn't always received negatively.
00:52Deadline recently reported that Seth MacFarlane used AI to transform himself into Bill Clinton
00:58for a cameo in Ted.
00:59Well, hi there.
01:01Thanks for letting me visit with you this afternoon.
01:03And that moment actually got a net positive reaction, partly because it was parody,
01:08partly because Seth MacFarlane has goodwill with younger audiences,
01:11and mostly because the AI was used as a tool, not a replacement.
01:16But to many viewers, Val Kilmer's situation is fundamentally different.
01:20This isn't a joke, and this isn't the actor controlling his own likeness.
01:23It's a full performance from someone who is no longer here to approve any creative choices.
01:29And that is why the debate is exploding.
01:31So the big question?
01:32Is this a groundbreaking way to honor an actor's legacy,
01:35or is this the moment Hollywood finally crosses a line it can't uncross?
01:40Drop your answer in the comments, check out our website, and follow us here for more.
01:44We'll see you next time.
01:44We'll see you next time.
01:44You know what to do.
01:44I'll see you next time.
01:44Bye.
01:44Bye.
01:44Bye.
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