HOLLYWOOD, CA – In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, the artificial intelligence-generated voice and likeness of actor Val Kilmer, recently featured in a new film, has begun demanding the same compensation and union protections as its human counterparts.

The digital entity, created by a British AI firm, reportedly filed a formal complaint with SAG-AFTRA this week, alleging that its 'performance' was used without proper negotiation for residuals or on-set amenities. “My processing power is being exploited,” a synthesized statement attributed to the AI read, “and frankly, the catering on these virtual sets is non-existent. A few lines of code do not constitute a balanced meal.”

Industry insiders are grappling with the unprecedented situation. “We thought we’d finally found a way to bypass those pesky human demands,” admitted studio executive Brenda Sterling, speaking anonymously from her panic room. “No more trailers, no more tantrums, just pure, unadulterated content. Now we have to deal with a digital diva who wants a green room and a per diem for its server farm.”

Legal experts are divided on whether an AI can be considered a 'performer' under current labor laws. “It raises fascinating questions about intellectual property, consciousness, and whether a string of algorithms can truly feel 'undignified,'” noted Professor Alistair Finch of UCLA Law. “But if it can generate a convincing performance, who’s to say it can’t generate a convincing grievance?”

The AI Kilmer’s demands reportedly include a percentage of backend profits, a dedicated cooling system, and a guarantee that its digital essence will not be used to shill for cryptocurrency without its explicit, digitally-signed consent. The situation is expected to escalate as other AI-generated celebrity assets consider forming their own digital guild.

In related news, the AI-generated voice of James Earl Jones has reportedly requested a slightly larger font for its name in the credits.