Can Digital Actors Replace Humans?

The use of AI-generated actors in films raises questions about the future of acting and the role of technology in storytelling. The case of Val Kilmer, who died in 2025, is a prime example. His digital version was used in the film As Deep as the Grave, with the consent of his family. The decision sparked a renewed debate about the future of acting.

The use of digital actors has been met with mixed reactions. Some see it as a way to bring back deceased actors, while others are concerned about the potential for AI-generated actors to replace human ones. The SAG-AFTRA union has noted that the use of digital actors requires the consent of the deceased actor’s estate and compliance with relevant contracts and laws.

Despite the controversy, the technology is advancing rapidly. Higgsfield AI claims to have reduced the ‘uncanny valley’ effect, where a digital character looks almost human but not quite. The company has released two feature films created entirely with AI, Hell Grind and The Cully Hill Boys.