Billy Zane is taking on cinematic icon (and OG movie star hunk) Marlon Brando, in the hotly-anticipated arthouse film, Waltzing With Brando. Set between 1969 and 1974, the film tells the obscure but true story of how Brando convinced architect Bernard 'Bernie' Judge that, together, they could build the first ecologically perfect retreat on one of Tahiti's tiny, uninhabited islands. Intrigued? Us too. Below, everything we know about the upcoming release, including the first (strikingly similar) photos of Zane in character.
Who is cast in Waltzing With Brando?
Leading the cast is actor Billy Zane, best known for his role as the arrogant Cal Hockley in Titanic. After months of specualtion, we've finally got our first glimpse of Zane in character, and he's got Brando's movie star mannerisms and distinct features (including that jawline) down to a tee.
First look at Billy Zane as Marlon Brando in 'Waltzing with Brando’. pic.twitter.com/PimgfFrkWE
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) October 30, 2024
Joining Zane is John Heder as Bernard Judge, plus Camille Rezat, Alaina Hoffman, Rob Corddry, and James Jagger. Off camera, the film is directed by Bill Fishman, whose previous work includes '90s classics like Tapeheads, and Car 54, Where Are You.
What is Waltzing With Brando about?
The film borrows its plot from a memoir by Brando's architect, Bernard Judge. It tells the story of how Brando convinced him to travel to the Tahitian island of Tetiʻaroa and build the world’s first ecological retreat — a far-fetched idea in 1966. Without giving too much away, Brando fell in love with the island while filming Mutiny on the Bounty and, after much negotiation with it's royal Tahitian owners, negotiated a 99-year lease. Today, the island is now home to The Brando, a luxury eco-resort. Fittingly, it's also where much of the filming for the movie took place. In addition to his Tahitian dream, the dilm also follows Brando as he prepares for his starring role in The Godfather, as well as Last Tango in Paris.
When will Waltzing With Brando premiere?
If there wasn't enough to be excited about, the film will actually make its debut at Torino Film Festival in Italy, on November 30. This year's festival will also host the international premiere of Eden, the hotly-anticipated thriller by Ron Howard, starring Sydney Sweeney, Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, and Daniel Brühl.
There's no word yet on when Waltzing With Brando will hit cinemas, but we'll keep you updated when we know more.
