Billy Zane Channels Marlon Brando in New Biopic, ‘Waltzing with Brando’

In a striking transformation, Billy Zane steps into the shoes of Marlon Brando for the highly anticipated biopic ‘Waltzing with Brando’. As producer and star of the film, Zane, 58, embodies the iconic actor, particularly capturing his persona as Don Vito Corleone from ‘The Godfather’ in ways that are sparking admiration and curiosity. The film, directed and co-written by Bill Fishman, is set to premiere at the Torino Film Festival in Italy, where it will close out the festival running from November 22 to 30.

The first-look production stills from Waltzing with Brando have fans talking, with Billy Zane’s resemblance to Brando described as uncanny. These images feature Titanic Actor Billy Zane in Brando’s signature look from The Godfather, with the same intense gaze and characteristic styling. The biopic goes beyond mere resemblance to The Godfather, delving into Marlon Brando’s life in the 1970s—a period marked by both his Hollywood successes and personal escapades. Billy Zane’s role highlights Marlon Brando’s work in films like Last Tango in Paris and his notorious off-screen life, offering audiences an intimate portrait of one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic figures.

Waltzing with Brando is based on Bernard Judge’s 2011 memoir of the same name, which recounts his unexpected experiences with Marlon Brando in the South Pacific. Judge, an innovative Los Angeles architect, was hired by Brando to design an eco-friendly home on Tetiaroa, a secluded atoll in Tahiti. The biopic explores this chapter in Brando’s life, combining the passion of a Hollywood legend with Judge’s groundbreaking approach to sustainable architecture. Judge’s work on Tetiaroa has been hailed as a pioneering example of environmentally conscious design, a fitting tribute to Brando’s own vision for sustainable living long before it became a popular concern.

Billy Zane as Marlon Brando in ‘Waltzing With Brando’ / Torino Film Festival

Billy Zane and the film’s production team are also honouring Tetiaroa’s legacy, pledging 5% of the film’s proceeds to the island’s current residents. The commitment to giving back reflects Brando’s own dedication to the land, as the actor famously sought to preserve Tetiaroa’s natural beauty. Zane posted behind-the-scenes images on Instagram earlier this year, showing him on set as Brando, his costume meticulously tailored to mirror the late actor’s appearance.

In addition to Titanic Actor Billy Zane, the cast of Waltzing with Brando includes well-known names like Tia Carrere, Richard Dreyfuss, Jon Heder, and Alaina Huffman. This ensemble adds depth to the story, recreating the unique dynamic that Brando fostered on the remote island.

The movie marks a major moment for Zane, who recently directed INT.HALLWAY/NIGHT, his first directorial project since Big Kiss in 2004. His dual roles as producer and lead actor in Waltzing with Brando reflect his dedication to honouring Brando’s legacy with respect and authenticity.