Jack Nicholson is a legendary actor who has given some incredible performances throughout his career. Looking at his resume, it can be said that, Nicholson’s choice of script has indeed been very impressive. However, it would be a startling fact for his fans that, the actor turned down an iconic role, despite being a perfect fit for the character.
When the actor came across the quintessential script, he was so moved by it that he wanted the role to be played by someone who could excel in it. As a result, he suggested the name of Al Pacino for the role.
Jack Nicholson turned down one of the most iconic roles in the cinema history
In 1972, Francis Ford Coppola released a crime drama film, The Godfather, which eventually became a cult classic. The film features some legendary actors like Marlon Brando, James Caan, and Al Pacino.
Pacino played the lead character of Michael Corleone and gave an unforgettable performance. Pacino’s performance as Corleone was so impeccable that it’s indeed hard to imagine anyone else in the role. Surprisingly, the role was initially offered to Jack Nicholson, but he rejected it.
It’s indeed shocking that despite having a keen eye for great roles, Nicholson rejected an iconic role. However, when the actor was asked his reason for not accepting the role, the actor replied by giving a very valid point. In a 2004 interview, the actor explained
“Back then I believed that Indians should play Indians and Italians should play Italians. Mario Puzo had written such a great book that if you go back to it, you’ll see so much of what was special about the movie.”
The actor further went on to elucidate that, he was so moved by the script that he wanted the role to be played by someone who can do justice to the iconic character. And on his part, he didn’t consider himself suitable for the role. Instead, the actor had another name in mind who he thought would be a perfect fit for the role. The actor said,
“There were a lot of actors who could have played Michael, myself included, but Al Pacino was Michael Corleone.”
Nicholson was adamant that Pacino was the one who could excel in the role of Michael Corleone, and Pancino indeed proved him right.
Though this role could have set a completely different dynamic for Nicholson’s career, his decision to turn down the role was seemingly proved right. As suggested by Nicholson, the Italian identity of the character was indeed a crucial element for the film, and Al Pacino’s performance indeed dealt well with the character.
By turning down The Godfather, Jack Nicholson apparently made a huge mistake
The 1972 release, The Godfather is set on a premise that revolves around the members of the Corleone family and their criminal pursuits. Looking at Nicholson’s some of best performances, it can be implied that the actor would have been a perfect fit for the role.
If the actor had agreed to play the role of Michael Corleone, the gangster genre as audiences know it today would be entirely different. It was the 1972 release that gave Pacino his first break in the gangster genre, and this role catapulted the actor’s career to a meteoric rise.
Hence it can be noted that, just like Pacino’s career took a swing with Godfather, Nicholson’s would have as well.
Source: Screenrant
