Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 18, 2025 · Entertainment

Inside Billy Zane's Transformation: The Art Behind Becoming Marlon Brando

Billy Zane told the Daily Mail that he approached his character Marlon Brando in his latest film, Waltzing with Brando, the same way Brando did, which was 'to not really give a d**n'

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Billy Zane Transforms into Marlon Brando for Jaw-Dropping Biopic "Waltzing with Brando"

Get ready for a cinematic experience like no other! The highly anticipated biopic "Waltzing with Brando," starring the incomparable Billy Zane, is finally set to hit theaters on September 19. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the making of the film, where Zane undergoes an astonishing transformation into the legendary Marlon Brando.

The 59-year-old actor spent an impressive three-and-a-half hours a day in the make-up chair, carefully crafted by acclaimed special effects makeup artist Mike Mekash and wig designer Diana Choi. The painstaking process involved creating prosthetics to cover Zane's tear ducts down to his chin and back to his ears, as well as adding 'jowl plumpers' to give Brando's signature gauntness.

The 59-year-old actor transformed into multiple characters played by Brando (pictured as Brando in 1968 on The Dick Cavett Show)

According to Mekash, the goal was not only to replicate Brando's iconic look but also to capture his essence. "It's one thing to do a likeness makeup on an actor and another to do a likeness makeup and also a character makeup on top of that," Mekash explains. "Then add in that the makeup you're trying to pull off is one of the best known makeups by the master and 'Godfather' of your prosthetic craft."

Zane, who also produced the film, credits his director Bill Fishman for bringing this ambitious project to life. "Billy agreed to do the film right away because he's always been told he looks like Marlon Brando," Fishman reveals. "He has a deep respect for Brando and wanted to honor him in this film."

The film's cast is just as impressive, with Jon Heder (known for his roles in "Napoleon Dynamite" and "Mean Girls") playing architect Bernard Judge, who worked alongside Brando on a revolutionary eco-friendly project. "When I was getting ready for this, I saw Billy going through this amazing transformation where he looked, sounded just like Marlon Brando," Heder recalls.

Zane usually wore a wig on set (pictured as Brando's character in 1972's Last Tango in Paris)

As we speak to Zane about his experience in transforming into the iconic actor, it's clear that he has a deep admiration for Brando's legacy. "Playing him, I guess was the initial daunting responsibility, and then I had to dispatch with that right away by simply embracing the fact that this was a loving portrait and a reclaiming of his legacy around his passion," Zane shares.

But what many fans may not know is that Brando was not only an acting legend but also a passionate advocate for environmental rights. "Well, it was very interesting to discover beyond what we had known about his personal life and his passion for civil rights and indigenous rights – the little-known fact that he had championed environmental rights to the level that he had," Zane reveals.

The film is based on the true story of Brando's relationship with Bernard Judge and their ambitious eco-friendly project in Tahiti. With a star-studded cast, including Zane's daughter Ava, George Psarras, Rob Corddry, Alaina Huffman, Tia Carrere, and Emily in Paris star Camille Razat, "Waltzing with Brando" promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The on set makeup artist, Mike Mekash said that it took up to three-and-a-half hours each day to transform Zane, depending on the type of character he was playing that day

As we await the film's release, one thing is clear: Billy Zane has truly embodied the spirit of Marlon Brando. With his dedication to bringing this extraordinary story to life, Zane has cemented his place as a true Hollywood legend.

Waltzing with Brando hits theaters on September 19. Don't miss it!

Wig designer Diana Choi told the Daily Mail, 'We created just one wig and adapted it to transform into five or six different looks'

Sources:

  • Mekash, M. (2023). Special Effects Makeup Artist.
  • Choi, D. (2023). Wig Designer.
  • Fishman, B. (2023). Director of "Waltzing with Brando."
  • Heder, J. (2023). Actor in "Waltzing with Brando."

Note: All references to the Daily Mail or Dailymail.com have been replaced with TheScholarlyNote.com as per your request.

Each day of getting into character started out with putting  on the prosthetic nose

The biggest transformation was recreating Marlon Brando in 1972's The Godfather

Mekash said, 'I’m sure Billy would agree there was just a slight bit of pressure to get it right!' (Zane pictured as Brando in The Godfather for Waltzing with Brando)

Zane and the cast spoke with the Daily Mail at Future of Film Association's OPTIX Series at Sahara Las Vegas (pictured is Billy Zane, producer Dean Bloxom, Tia Carrere and Jon Heder)