Key Takeaways:
– Al Pacino initially wanted to play Sonny Corleone in The Godfather.
– Paramount originally was against Al Pacino and Marlon Brando joining the cast.
– Director Francis Ford Coppola went to great lengths to secure his preferred actors.
– Marlon Brando threatened to quit over the potential casting of Burt Reynolds.
Hidden Casting Secrets of The Godfather
The celebrated crime drama The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is memorable in part due to its standout performances by Al Pacino and Marlon Brando. However, casting controversies and near-misses almost changed the face of this iconic film.
The Struggle Over Al Pacino’s Casting
When production began on The Godfather, Al Pacino, then a newcomer, was not the studio’s top choice for the role of Michael Corleone. Paramount Pictures had plans to introduce a Marvel star into this famed role and was even considering casting Robert Redford, star of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Other potential candidates floated by the studio included Hollywood heavyweights Warren Beatty and Ryan O’Neal.
Defying the studio’s initial disapproval, director Francis Ford Coppola was unwavering in his desire to cast Pacino as Michael Corleone. During a cast reunion at the 45th-anniversary celebration of the film, Coppola shared his conviction that Pacino, with his blend of strength and vulnerability, was the perfect embodiment of the character. “Every time I read the script, I always saw his (Pacino’s) face, especially in the scenes in Sicily,” Coppola said.
Against all odds, Coppola’s persistence paid off, but not without a fight. Pacino had to undertake several screen tests before the studio gave in, but with one condition – James Caan, whose audition had impressed them, would be given the role of Sonny, a part Pacino initially had his eye on.
The Bumpy Road to Cast Marlon Brando
The casting challenges didn’t end with Pacino. The studio was initially opposed to the selection of Marlon Brando for the part of Vito Corleone. Laurence Olivier was the initial pick, but when he became unavailable, a lengthy dispute ensued between Coppola and Paramount over Brando.
Despite Brando’s flailing box office appeal and notorious on-set temper, Coppola stood firm. After impressing the studio in a screen test, Brando joined the cast, albeit not without further drama. The actor threatened to quit when Paramount considered Burt Reynolds for the role of Michael, sparking an ugly feud between the two actors.
While creating further tension, Brando’s rebellion ultimately led to Pacino securing his role, putting an end to the casting saga. Nevertheless, the first day on set with Brando wasn’t smooth sailing. Multiple retakes and backstage politicking led to heightened tensions and even talk of firing both Coppola and Brando – a move Coppola swiftly countered with a deft preemptive strike.
The Godfather’s Legacy
Despite the production turmoil, The Godfather turned into a massive success, collecting between $250 and $291 million at the box office. Today, it stands as an iconic representation of American cinema and continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Both Pacino and Brando’s performances are hailed as pivotal moments in film history, making Coppola’s casting struggles all the more significant.
In an industry marked by constant power dynamics, The Godfather’s casting story serves as a poignant example of a director’s clarity of vision and unwavering commitment to storytelling. The film and its celebrated performances are evidence of the triumph of artistic judgment over commercial calculation. The films are now available for streaming on Paramount+.
