Mercedes Kilmer, daughter of the late actor Val Kilmer, has spoken out for the first time about the backlash surrounding the use of artificial intelligence to recreate her father on screen. In an exclusive interview with TODAY, she addressed both praise and criticism the family has received after Val Kilmer appeared posthumously in the film "As Deep as the Grave" via generative AI technology.
"We have to contend with this technology whether we like it or not," Kilmer said, acknowledging the ethical debates around AI recreations of deceased performers. She emphasized that the family was deeply involved in the decision-making process and that her father had always been forward-thinking about innovation.
The response comes as Hollywood grapples with the growing use of AI to resurrect stars, raising questions about consent, legacy, and the future of performance. While some fans have embraced the chance to see Kilmer on screen once more, others have criticized the practice as exploitative.
Mercedes defended the choice, explaining that the family believed it honored her father's artistic spirit. "He would have wanted to be part of this story," she said. The interview marks the first time a family member of a digitally recreated actor has publicly addressed the controversy.