LAS VEGAS, April 16 -- The first images of late American film star Val Kilmer returning to the big screen courtesy of artificial intelligence were unveiled yesterday in Las Vegas, in what will likely stir debate over the technology's role in Hollywood.

A youthful, digital version of Kilmer appears in the trailer for As Deep as the Grave, telling another character: "Don't fear the dead and don't fear me."

The footage premiered at CinemaCon, the annual conference where studios present upcoming releases to movie theatre owners.

Brothers Coerte and John Voorhees, director and producer of the film, said they hope to release the historical drama by the end of the year.

Kilmer, best known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever an...