I have an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming biopic “Waltzing with Brando,” and let me tell you, it’s unlike any Marlon Brando film you’ve seen before. Billy Zane completely transforms into the legendary actor, known for his roles in classics like “The Godfather” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.” In a stunning display of method acting, Zane perfectly mimics the young Brando, down to the piercing gaze and distinctive facial features.
But this biopic isn’t your typical somber look back at a Hollywood icon’s life. Instead, “Waltzing with Brando” takes a wildly eccentric turn, chronicling a lesser-known chapter in the actor’s life in the early 1970s.
The film follows Brando, then at the height of his fame, as he purchases a remote, uninhabited island in Tahiti. His grand plan? He aims to construct the world’s first ecoretreat that is entirely sustainable, setting an example for future environmental preservation.
There’s just one problem: Brando has no idea how to actually build such a resort. That’s where Jon Heder’s character, an idealistic Los Angeles architect named Bernard Judge, comes into play. Brando plucks Judge from his stable existence and convinces him to join this quixotic endeavor, with the two striking up an unlikely, and often hilarious, partnership.
The trailer gives us a glimpse of Zane’s Brando in all his eccentric glory, from his ambitious plans for an eel-powered generator to his unique approach to obtaining clean water (spoiler alert: it involves his own urine). Zane masterfully captures Brando’s magnetic charisma and larger-than-life persona, delivering what promises to be a truly memorable performance.
Rounding out the impressive cast are veteran actors Richard Dreyfuss and Camille Razat (of “Emily in Paris” fame), who add their own comedic flair to the proceedings. Bill Fishman, who based the film on Bernard Judge’s 2011 memoir of the same name, directs and co-writes “Waltzing with Brando”. By all accounts, the movie will offer a refreshingly unique take on Brando’s life, shifting the focus away from his well-documented personal struggles and instead highlighting his lesser-known passion for environmental sustainability.
And speaking of sustainability, the film itself seems to embody that ethos. Brando purchased and sought to transform Tetiaroa, where much of the production took place on location. This adds an extra layer of authenticity to the proceedings, transporting viewers directly into the world that Brando and Judge sought to create.
As the film gears up for its world premiere at the Torino Film Festival, the buzz around “Waltzing with Brando” continues to build. Zane’s uncanny transformation into the iconic actor has already captured the attention of cinephiles and Brando fans alike, who are eager to see this unexpected and delightfully quirky take on a Hollywood legend.
When “Waltzing with Brando” opens in theaters in 2025, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to witness Billy Zane’s potentially career-defining performance. It’s a biopic that promises to be as unconventional and captivating as the man himself.