Big Bug Man
Unproduced animated film featuring Marlon Brando's final role.
Big Bug Man is an unproduced American animated film that was to be produced by Studio-Free Studios. It was written by Bob Bendetson, who also wrote episodes for The Simpsons, and directed by Bendetson and Peter Shin. The film is notable as the last known film work of Marlon Brando.
- Status
- Unproduced
- Production cost
- Approximately US$20 million
- Original release window
- 2006–2008
- Animation type
- Hand-drawn
- Key voice actors
- Brendan Fraser, Marlon Brando, Michael Madsen
Lore & Background
Big Bug Man was originally scheduled for release between 2006 and 2008, but was never released or distributed due to lack of funds. The film's premise follows Howard Kind (voiced by Brendan Fraser), a candy company worker who gains special abilities after being bitten by insects. The production cost approximately US$20 million and was hand-drawn.
Marlon Brando was originally asked to voice Nicholas Dunderbeck, but instead chose to voice the old lady Mrs. Sour, who appears in only three scenes. Brando recorded his lines on June 10, 2004, at his home, wearing a blond wig, a dress, white gloves, and full makeup. According to director Bob Bendetson, Brando removed the wig partway through because he was getting too hot. Brando described the part as 'the most fun I've had since playing Mark Antony in Julius Caesar.' He died three weeks later, on July 1, 2004.
Reader's Guide
Big Bug Man holds significance as Marlon Brando's final film work, recorded just weeks before his death. Despite being unproduced, the project illustrates Brando's continued creative energy and willingness to take unconventional roles late in his life. The film's failure to secure funding prevented its release, leaving it as a footnote in animation history. The involvement of Brendan Fraser and a supporting cast including Michael Madsen, Paul Shaffer, Lyndsy Fonseca, Andre 3000, B.B. King, and Fantasia Barrino highlights the project's ambition. The recording session, directed by Marcie Tobias at Brando's home, is a rare documented instance of Brando performing in drag for an animated role. The film's hand-drawn style and $20 million budget reflect the scale of the intended production.
Did You Know?
- Marlon Brando recorded his lines for Mrs. Sour on June 10, 2004, three weeks before his death.
- Brando wore a blond wig, a dress, white gloves, and full makeup while recording the voice of Mrs. Sour.
- The film was never released due to lack of funds.
- Brando described the role as 'the most fun I've had since playing Mark Antony in Julius Caesar.'
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