Billy Zane steps into Brando’s shoes in new biopic
The first trailer for the film Waltzing With Brando has been released online. It features Billy Zane as the iconic actor Marlon Brando. This production, based on Bernard Judge's memoirs, explores a lesser-known chapter of Brando's life.
"Waltzing With Brando" captures Brando's experiences during his preparation for the roles in "The Godfather" and "Last Tango in Paris." The film, directed and written by Bill Fishman ("Tapeheads," "Car 54, Where are you," "My Dinner with Jimi," etc.), spans the years 1969-1974.
In addition to Billy Zane ("Titanic"), the film stars Jon Heder ("Napoleon Dynamite", "Blades of Glory") as Bernard Judge, an idealistic architect from Los Angeles. The cast also includes Oscar winner Richard Dreyfuss, Camille Razat ("Emily in Paris"), Alaina Huffman ("The Perfection", "Smallville"), Tia Carrere ("Wayne's World"), and James Jagger ("Vinyl", "The Outpost"), the son of Mick Jagger.
The storyline follows Brando (Zane), who, after filming "Mutiny on the Bounty", purchases a small, uninhabited island in Tahiti. Seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of Hollywood and promote sustainable development, he persuades Judge (Heder) to join him in creating the world's first eco-friendly resort.
The film's producers are Dean Bloxom, Bill Fishman, Billy Zane, Doug Dearth, and Brett Kerr. "Waltzing With Brando" will conclude this year's film festivals in Turin, Tahoe, and Palm Springs.
Zane's return to blockbuster movies
It's remarkable to see another actor convincingly portraying the legendary Marlon Brando in the trailer. Billy Zane is styled superbly, precisely capturing Brando's gestures and facial expressions.
Billy Zane, now 58 years old, credits his distinctive appearance to his Greek heritage. He made his film debut as the bandit Match in Robert Zemeckis's sci-fi adventure comedy "Back to the Future" (1985) and also appeared in its sequel, "Back to the Future II" (1989). His acting career took off with his role as the deranged castaway Hughie Warriner, a character who evokes both fear and sympathy, in the thriller "Dead Calm" (1989) alongside Nicole Kidman. He later portrayed John Justice Wheeler in the ABC series "Twin Peaks" (1990-91). Over the past decade, Zane has continued acting regularly, though not in blockbuster films. With his portrayal of Marlon Brando, he is once again in the spotlight.
