Mercedes Kilmer, daughter of the late actor Val Kilmer, has defended the use of AI technology in her father's final film, 'As Deep as the Grave.' Val Kilmer, who passed away from throat cancer last year, plays the role of Father Finton in the film, which features over an hour of his AI-generated performance. Mercedes explained that the project evolved from a solution to her father's illness into an opportunity to set a precedent regarding actors' rights over their digital likenesses. She noted the mixed reactions within the industry, with some fearing AI's implications while younger artists see potential. Emphasizing proactive engagement with technology, she believes it is essential to structure rights around AI use. Val Kilmer had previously collaborated with Sonantic to create an AI voice for his character in 'Top Gun: Maverick' after his diagnosis in 2014. The film, which tells the story of pioneering archaeologist Ann Axtell Morris, recently showcased its trailer at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.