Artificial intelligence continues to be a controversial medium. But for Mercedes Kilmer, she’s nothing but thankful. Her father, “Top Gun” star Val Kilmer, passed away from pneumonia on April 1, 2025, after battling throat cancer for over a decade. He was 65.
Before Val Kilmer’s death, he partnered with a software firm to recreate his voice using artificial intelligence. Indie film “As Deep as the Grave” used the AI to recreate the late actor’s voice and likeness.
While not everyone agrees with the production company’s decision, Mercedes Kilmer is defending the choice.
Mercedes Kilmer Reveals Her Father Val Kilmer Purposefully Sought Out AI Technology Before His Passing
When Val Kilmer received his throat cancer diagnosis, he knew it would inhibit his ability to speak. According to his daughter, that’s what initially sparked the AI conversation.
“It started off as a way to overcome the limitations of his illness, but then it evolved into something that he really was like, ‘Oh, wait. I have a chance to actually set a precedent,'” Mercedes Kilmer explained while speaking with “Today.” “Now other actors will say, ‘No, well, Val Kilmer, they structured his contract in that way.'”
Mercedes Kilmer understands that not everyone agrees with using AI to recreate deceased entertainers.
“It’s kind of fallen into two camps,” she acknowledged. “People that maybe have a more precarious position in the industry and are worried and see AI as a threat, which is absolutely valid, and younger people, younger actors and musicians. I’m a musician and a lot of people that I know are so scared of this technology.”
However, not everyone has had something negative to say.
“At the same time I’ve gotten a lot of like really good responses from people, older people, people maybe more established in the industry, that see it as a way to protect that actors’ ownership of their IP,” the 34-year-old continued. “We have to contend with this technology one way or the other. And avoiding it, it’s not necessarily the way. It’s much easier to structure the rights if you proactively license something.”
Loved Ones Remember Val Kilmer
After Val Kilmer passed away last spring, fans showered his daughter Mercedes with love and support. The late actor’s former co-stars posted touching social media tributes in his honor.
“See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts. ❤️💔❤️💔❤️💔💎” Josh Brolin shared on Instagram.
On December 31, 2025, Mercedes celebrated her father’s birthday.
“My dad would have been 66 today, born on the last day of the fifties ❤️ so grateful to all my friends for getting me through 2025,” she shared on Instagram. Mercedes included some photos from Val Kilmer’s childhood, as well as behind the scenes photos from some of his iconic roles.
“We all loved your dad ♥️” one kind fan wrote in the comments.
“As Deep as the Grave” is expected to premiere later in 2026.
