Jack Nicholson turned down the role of Michael Corleone because he believed that actors should stick to playing characters of their own ethnicity. While it is fun to imagine Jack Nicholson in the role, it is impossible to improve upon Al Pacino's perfect performance as Michael Corleone.

Who turned down role of Michael Corleone?

Jack Nicholson - Micheal Corleone, The Godfather (1972)

However, Nicholson turned down the role. He had, at the same time, received offers for The Last Detail and Chinatown, which he thought were more interesting projects.

Who was the first choice to play Michael in The Godfather?

According to Peter Cowie's 1997 publication The Godfather Book, Paramount initially targeted Warren Beatty and Robert Redford to star as Michael Corleone. By the early '70s, however, Beatty already had a loyal following after starring in the 1967 classic Bonnie and Clyde.

How did Al Pacino get the role of Michael in The Godfather?

Francis Ford Coppola took notice of Pacino for his role in the 1971 film The Panic in Needle Park and cast him in The Godfather. The actor knew that the film was destined for something greater after Coppola got emotional during filming.

Who was considered to play Don Corleone?

Paramount Didn't Want Marlon Brando Cast in 'The Godfather'

The studio had a laundry list of potential Vito Corleones ranging from Laurence Olivier to Ernest Borgnine, but the audacious Coppola remained unwavering in his quest to secure the 47-year-old actor.

The Godfather: How Michael Corleone Evolves

Who didn t want Al Pacino in Godfather?

"The studio didn't want Al Pacino at all," Keaton said, noting that she was cast before him in the Francis Ford Coppola classic. She then explained what caused the studio to change their opinion: their chemistry read.

Who was first choice for Vito Corleone?

3. Marlon Brando's performance in the title role is considered among the five most accomplished screen performances from anywhere in the world. Hard as it may be to believe, Brando was not the first choice to play Don Vito Corleone. The British legend Sir Laurence Olivier was the first actor to be offered the role.

Why wasn t Robert De Niro in The Godfather?

Having seen De Niro's significant acting capabilities, the casting team invited him in for the role. Fortunately, for everyone involved, De Niro dropped out of playing the part of Paulie Gatto to shoot The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight instead.

Why wasn t Robert De Niro in The First Godfather?

As the story goes, as part of a negotiation with MGM to allow Pacino to do The Godfather, Paramount agreed to trade them De Niro, who would drop out of The Godfather and star in The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight in Pacino's place.

How much did they pay Al Pacino for The Godfather?

Al earned $35,000 for his role in the first Godfather in 1972. That's the same as around $215,000 today after adjusting for inflation. For the second Godfather his salary was upped to $500,000, which is the same as $2.6 million in today's dollars.

Who else auditioned for Michael Corleone?

Potential candidates for Michael included the era's most bankable stars, including Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Warren Beatty, Ryan O'Neal and Jack Nicholson. "Martin Sheen was considered," Seal says. "Frank Langella. Nobody wanted Al Pacino, except for Coppola.

Who turned down the role of Johnny Fontane?

The popular singer was originally cast as the Sinatra-esque Johnny Fontane. He dropped out, attributing his pride in being Italian, though he would later state that it was all about the money.

Who ordered the killing of Michael Corleone in Godfather 3?

Mosca, the assassin hired by Don Altobello to kill Michael, descends upon the opera house during Anthony's performance, killing two of Vincent's men who delay his opportunity. The opera ends before he has the chance to kill Michael with his rifle.

Why did Jack Nicholson refuse The Godfather?

Al Pacino's portrayal of Michael Corleone in The Godfather is iconic and synonymous with the character's image in the minds of audiences. Jack Nicholson turned down the role of Michael Corleone because he believed that actors should stick to playing characters of their own ethnicity.

Who was the highest paid actor in The Godfather?

A distinguished character actor, Richard S. Castellano was the highest earning actor in The Godfather, whose fame outside the saga included playing Joe Girelli in The Super. He also received an Academy Award nomination for his role in Love and Other Strangers.

What role did Pacino turn down?

Dave Kujan – The Usual Suspects (Bryan Singer, 1995)

Pacino has previously stated that his decision to turn down the role of Dave Kujan and star with the likes of Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Spacey and Benicio Del Toro was one of his biggest regrets.

Why did no one want Al Pacino in The Godfather?

Part of their reasoning was that they didn't think Pacino's creative vision for Corleone was right. Pacino, however, disagreed, but it was ultimately Francis Ford Coppola who was able to change his mind by persuading him to take a second look at the footage.

Who was Vito Corleone based on?

Don Corleone was inspired by real-life mob boss Frank Costello. Don Vito Corleone has similarities to several real-life mobsters, including Joe Profaci, who used his olive oil distributorship as a front for his illegal activities, and Carlo Gambino, who used a quiet, non-flashy style en route to power.

Why wasn t Sylvester Stallone in The Godfather?

Sylvester Stallone Was Rejected Even as Background Talent in The Godfather. Perhaps, the makers were too much selective even while picking up background artists. Of course, it would be fair to assume that is one of the traits of Coppola's filmmaking. But the rejection was a hard hit on Stallone.

Did Frank Sinatra want to stop The Godfather movie?

The crooner publicly denied his connections to the Mafia to protect his public image, yet Sinatra did have social ties to organized crime, and The Offer depicts him leaning on Joe Columbo to put a stop to The Godfather movie's production.

Why didn t they want Marlon Brando to play The Godfather?

Summary. Paramount initially didn't want Marlon Brando in The Godfather due to his reputation for being difficult on set and recent box office flops, but Francis Ford Coppola fought for him.

Why did they replace Marlon Brando in The Godfather?

There were just two problems: The studio didn't want Brando, and Brando didn't want the role. An excerpt from a new book reveals how flattery, a fake seizure, and a stealth screen test changed the course of cinematic history. Marlon Brando in The Godfather. From Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock.

Who betrayed Vito Corleone?

These four rats betrayed the Corleone family: Salvatore “Sal” Tessio, Paulie Gatto, Fabrizio and Carlo Rizzi.

Who betrayed Vito Corleone in The Godfather?

Paulie has seemingly betrayed Vito—and thus the family—by selling him out. In The Godfather, this kind of betrayal is the worst of all sins.

Who was originally supposed to play Sonny in The Godfather?

De Niro auditioned for the character of Sonny Corleone in the first The Goodfather film in 1972 and after a difficult decision, Francis Ford Coppola preferred Caan, who died Thursday at the age of 82. Caan took the character to another level and is still remembered for his performance 50 years later.