Jon Kasdan of Willow discusses the circumstances behind his unexpected cameo appearance
In the much-anticipated Disney Willow sequel series, the character of Madmartigan, famously portrayed by the late Val Kilmer, is brought to vocal life through a unique blend of technology and human performance.
Kilmer, who passed away in April 2025, left behind an iconic performance that has been recreated using AI technology from Sonantic. The company, known for its ability to generate realistic voices, was instrumental in creating a voice that resembles Kilmer's, allowing his beloved character to continue his journey without the need for new original recordings.
The process involved a combination of Val Kilmer's recorded performance, his son Jack's voice, and AI technology. Jack, who has an "uncanny match" for his father's voice, provided the base for the AI to work its magic, resulting in a voice that is strikingly similar to Kilmer's.
The use of AI technology in the entertainment industry is not a new concept. It has been employed in the Star Wars franchise, with Darth Vader's vocal performance and Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker in The Book of Boba Fett being examples.
However, the use of AI technology raises ethical and creative concerns within the art community. The ability to recreate voices or likenesses of actors enables posthumous or consented performances but also questions authorship, consent, and the impact on traditional acting professions. While AI offers new possibilities for storytelling and revitalizing legacy characters, it poses challenges regarding respect for artists' legacies and potential overreliance on synthetic performances.
This debate involves balancing technological innovation with ethical standards in creative industries. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, discussions about the role of AI technology will undoubtedly persist.
In the Willow sequel series, Madmartigan is not physically present, but his presence is felt through archive footage and the appearance of Christian Slater as Allagash. Despite his absence, the character's influence is palpable, adding an emotional depth to the series.
The future of AI technology in major franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who remains a topic of discussion. As these franchises continue to push the boundaries of storytelling, the use of AI technology may become more prevalent, shaping the landscape of the entertainment industry for years to come.
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