Billy Zane Honors Marlon Brando’s Life and Eco-Advocacy in Waltzing with Brando

Billy Zane, known for his memorable roles in Titanic and Zoolander, takes on an ambitious portrayal of Marlon Brando in the upcoming biographical film Waltzing with Brando, set to premiere as the closing film at Italy’s prestigious Torino Film Festival in November. Directed by Bill Fishman and co-written with Fishman, the film explores a transformative period in Brando’s life during the 1970s when he prepared for his roles in The Godfather and Last Tango in Paris. In this complex portrayal, Zane’s uncanny resemblance to the late actor brings a unique authenticity to the screen, with critics and fans alike already captivated by early production stills showing him channeling Brando’s iconic look from The Godfather.

Based on the memoir Waltzing with Brando: Planning a Paradise in Tahiti by Bernard Judge, an accomplished architect who worked closely with Brando, the film offers an intimate glimpse into the actor’s visionary pursuit of environmental sustainability. Judge, a young architect from Los Angeles, found himself unexpectedly recruited by Brando to design a self-sustaining, ecologically perfect retreat on Tetiaroa, an uninhabited atoll in French Polynesia that Brando purchased in 1966. While Waltzing with Brando covers Brando’s preparation for two of his most acclaimed film roles, the heart of the story focuses on his environmental and humanitarian ambitions—a part of Brando’s legacy that remains lesser-known but is, as Zane describes, “incredibly timely and forward-thinking”.

The memoir recounts how Brando saw Tetiaroa as more than just a tropical paradise; he envisioned it as a place that could showcase sustainable living, a project that took on a life of its own during his career resurgence. Brando’s decision to hire Judge was not just about building a retreat but rather a dream of creating a zero-carbon paradise, designed to harmonize with the natural environment of the island. In his role, Zane portrays Brando’s drive to make Tetiaroa a model for ecological living, showing how the actor and architect formed an unlikely partnership. Judge, whose expertise in environmental architecture earned him significant acclaim, became a key figure in realizing Brando’s aspirations, grappling with the practical and philosophical challenges of creating a “paradise” in one of the world’s most isolated locations.

Zane, who has been invested in this project since 2019, first spoke publicly about the role that year, sharing that he was drawn to Brando’s overlooked contributions to environmentalism and indigenous rights. “I wasn’t previously aware of his passion for environmental rights, which was so prescient and so timely”, Zane remarked, adding that he felt honored to play a character who was “ahead of his time” and driven to use his influence for good. This biopic, according to Zane, goes beyond the typical life-story treatment; it is a “dramatic comedy” that explores the comedic and poignant aspects of Judge and Brando’s dynamic partnership. The film is expected to touch on Brando’s passion for social causes and his tireless efforts to bring his environmental vision to life—an ambitious project that often required him to take on grueling film roles to finance it.

The story behind Waltzing with Brando is as much about the creation of this ecological haven as it is about Brando’s rebirth as an actor. By the 1970s, Brando was at a career crossroads, having once dominated Hollywood in the 1950s with A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, and Julius Caesar. However, by the late ’60s, his career had stagnated, and he was considered difficult to work with. His casting as Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather, followed by his intense portrayal of Paul in Last Tango in Paris, re-established him as one of cinema’s most compelling actors. These roles allowed Brando to finance his dream, as he poured both his earnings and energy into the development of Tetiaroa.

The film, which stars an impressive cast alongside Zane, including Tia Carrere, Jon Heder, Richard Dreyfuss, Alaina Huffman, and Rob Corddry, has already garnered a significant following on social media. Fans have responded with praise for Zane’s striking resemblance to Brando, with many commenting on how they were moved by Zane’s transformation and his commitment to capturing Brando’s essence. Even Torino Film Festival’s artistic director, Giulio Base, lauded Zane’s performance, describing him as being “possessed by Marlon Brando.”

Zane has expressed his deep gratitude for the people of Tahiti, the Tetiaroa Society, and those involved in the production for their support, underscoring the film’s commitment to Brando’s legacy. In addition to capturing the life of an acting legend, Waltzing with Brando honors Brando’s dedication to the environment, with the filmmakers pledging to donate 5% of the film’s proceeds to benefit Tetiaroa’s residents. By spotlighting Brando’s passion for civil rights, indigenous advocacy, and environmental preservation, Zane and the team behind Waltzing with Brando aim to inspire a new generation with the story of a man who wanted to use his influence to leave a lasting impact.

The film’s premiere as the closing night feature at the Torino Film Festival, which runs from November 22 to 30, coincides with the festival’s tribute to Brando on his 100th birthday, featuring a retrospective of 24 of his most celebrated works. Through Zane’s portrayal, audiences are invited to discover an untold chapter of Brando’s life, one marked not only by his dedication to his craft but by his desire to pioneer sustainable architecture on a tiny, remote island.