The Godfather trilogy is one of Hollywood’s greatest trilogy, a masterclass in acting, direction, camera work and writing. It is nigh impossible to imagine the film in any other way, than being an adaptation of Mario Puzo’s critically acclaimed novel.
Michael Corleone is the protagonist of the three Godfather films, a role brilliantly essayed by Al Pacino, who was relatively unknown at the time of his casting. However, it’s difficult to imagine anyone else in the role of the character. However, there was one actor who was in the running for the character, the casting of whom would have directly resulted in the departure of director Francis Ford Coppola.
Martin Sheen was in the running to play Michael Corleone as well
Martin Sheen would have played Michael Corleone, but director Francis Ford Coppola threatened to quit if Sheen was cast. Martin Sheen had quite several acting credits before The Godfather Trilogy. However, the actor was yet to receive a big break, something that The Godfather could have down for the then-young actor.
Martin Sheen was not a bad actor by any stretch of the term, but Coppola had a particular vision in his head. The director threatened to quit the film if he did not get his way. This would mean that the character of Michael Corleone was to be played by Al Pacino by hook, or by crook. This was something that the studio took some time to eventually come around to since it was difficult to market Al Pacino, because he was a relative unknown, while Martin Sheen was at least recognizable by the mainstream audience.
However, it seems like the studio made the right decision, as the film shot Al Pacino to stardom for his work as Michael Corleone, making him an industry legend who is looked up to by young actors to this day.
Not all Michael Corleone aspirants were cut from the film
While Martin Sheen was completely cast out of the production after failing to secure the role of the trilogy’s protagonist, one other actor who was in the running to play Michael Corleone had better luck featuring in the film.
James Caan was also in the running to play the heir of the Corleone family, only to land the role of Sonny Corleone in the film. Other actors that were in the running to play Sonny, included Anthony Perkins, of Hitchcock’s Psycho fame. Caan would end up bagging the role of Sonny after failing to land the lead role in the film. The actor, however, did impress the crew enough, hence them casting him in the film.
