MOVIE NEWS – Marlon Brando is widely celebrated as one of the most influential American actors of the 20th century. His legendary career includes iconic roles in A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, Julius Caesar, Apocalypse Now, and The Godfather, among others. Passing away at the age of 80 in 2004, Brando left fans curious about his final completed film. Was it a gripping crime drama? A war epic? Or perhaps a profound, dramatic piece? Surprisingly, his last role was far from what you’d expect—it was in a low-budget animated production where he voiced an elderly woman, a movie that never saw the light of day. 

Yes, Brando’s final acting performance was in the animated feature Big Bug Man. Scheduled for release in the mid-2000s, the project was ultimately shelved and remains unseen. The voice cast boasted big names like Brando and Brendan Fraser, but the other characters’ voice actors remain largely unknown. This raises the question: how did a star of Brando’s caliber end up in such an obscure production? Let’s dive into the strange story behind Big Bug Man and its unlikely connection to the Hollywood legend. 

Marlon Brando’s Career Beginnings and Final Project 

Brando, born in 1924, would have turned 100 this year, which also marks the 20th anniversary of his passing. After debuting on Broadway in the 1940s, he transitioned to Hollywood in the early 1950s. His career flourished through the ’60s and ’70s, though he slowed down in the ’80s. A resurgence followed in the ’90s, but by the early 2000s, Brando had largely retired. His final released film, The Score (2001), seemed like a fitting swan song for the star. The heist thriller featured him alongside Robert De Niro in their only on-screen collaboration. But, if that were truly his last role, this story wouldn’t exist. 

Produced by Studio-Free Studio, Big Bug Man had notable animation talent attached. Bob Bendetson, who worked on early 2000s episodes of The Simpsons, wrote and directed the film, while Peter Shin, a veteran of Family Guy, served as co-director. Plot details are scarce, but the movie centers on Howard Kind, a man who gains superpowers after being bitten by insects. Brendan Fraser voiced Howard, and other voice actors included Andre 3000 and Michael Madsen. 

The story of how Brando became involved is almost unbelievable. CBS News reported that Brando was initially approached for another role but insisted on voicing Mrs. Sour, the elderly antagonist. According to Bendetson, Brando wanted to take on this quirky role because playing an old woman in an animated movie was on his bucket list. 

Mrs. Sour only appears in three scenes, but Brando fully immersed himself in the character. During recording sessions, he wore a wig, dress, gloves, and makeup to embody the role. Sadly, this would be his final acting project. The recording took place in June 2004 at Brando’s home, where he was already reliant on oxygen therapy. He completed his lines in a single session, passing away just weeks later on July 1. It was an unusual and poignant conclusion to his illustrious career. 

Why the Film Was Never Released 

Despite Brando’s enthusiasm for the role, Big Bug Man was never released. Originally planned for a 2006–2008 release, the project stalled indefinitely. The reasons for its shelving remain unclear, though Brando’s death during production might have made continuing the project feel inappropriate. Rumors also suggested a potential TV release on Nickelodeon, but this never materialized. Two decades later, it’s unlikely the film will ever be publicly shown. 

It’s unfortunate, as Brando reportedly found the role immensely enjoyable, claiming it was the most fun he’d had since working on Julius Caesar. Perhaps if discussions about Big Bug Man persist, its creators might find a way to release it as a tribute to Brando’s legacy. Until then, his final, quirky role remains a fascinating piece of trivia about one of Hollywood’s greatest icons. 

Source: MovieWeb