The Godfather remains a revered piece of cinema even after more than fifty years of its release. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film tells the story of Michael Corleone, an outsider in a mafia family, who eventually goes on to become a mafia don. Actor Al Pacino played the role of Michael Corleone, and given his performance it is hard to imagine anyone else as the character.
According to reports, actor Burt Reynolds was once in contention to play the role of Michael Corleone in the film. However, Reynolds had to later decline the offer to star in the movie, after Marlon Brando, who played Michael’s father, threatened to exit if Reynolds was cast over Pacino. Here is how Pacino owes Brando for The Godfather role.
Marlon Brando Threatened to Quit The Godfather if Burt Reynolds Was Cast as Michael Corleone
Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as the father-son duo of Vito and Michael Corleone. Both actors delivered outstanding performances, which earned them Academy Award nominations, including a Best Actor win for Brando. However, the film would have turned out quite differently had Pacino lost his role to actor Burt Reynolds.
During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Reynolds opened up about missing out on The Godfather role. While speaking with host Andy Cohen, Reynolds admitted that he was in contention for the role of Michael Corleone. However, he had to decline the role because Marlon Brando threatened to quit if Reynolds was cast in the film.
“I was very flattered. I was flattered that he was upset.”
Reynolds made the above statement, explaining that despite the film’s popularity, he did not regret losing out on the role. Pacino was later cast in the role, which proved to be his breakout performance and led to the start of a lengthy and successful acting career. Hence, it is safe to say that Pacino owes his success from The Godfather to Brando.
Al Pacino Praised Marlon Brando For Helping With The Godfather Role
In 2022, Al Pacino sat down for a conversation with the New York Times, to mark the 50th anniversary of The Godfather. During the conversation, Pacino shared several anecdotes and behind-the-scenes details about the making of the iconic film.
When Pacino was asked about his experience of sharing the screen with actors such as James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Marlon Brando, Pacino had nothing but kind words for his co-stars. Pacino, who was just starting out his acting career at the time was grateful for veterans taking him under their wings.
“I was young, I was unknown, and they were so comforting. There was a love there. They understood it, Brando especially. But the others, too. They were becoming those older brothers and advisers that they play in the film.”
Pacino made the above statement praising his co-stars for looking after him as their characters look after Michael in the movie. As a result, Pacino holds a great deal of respect for Brando and his other co-stars. Moreover, the actor noted how the real-life camaraderie between the group meshed with their on-screen performances.
The Godfather is streaming on Paramount+.
