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Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson, and Dustin Hoffman were all offered the part of Michael Corleone, but all refused. 'Redford, Robert' and Ryan O'Neal were also considered.
Robert De Niro read for the parts of both Sonny and Michael Corleone. Coppola decided that he wasn't right for the role of Sonny, and already had Pacino in mind for Michael.
Martin Sheen auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone.
Before being cast as Michael, Al Pacino was committed to starring in Bang the Drum Slowly (1973). Coppola pulled some strings and managed to get Pacino released. Pacino was replaced on Bang the Drum Slowly by Robert De Niro, who had to give up the small role he'd had in The Godfather: that of Paulie ("won't see him no more") Gatto. This, in turn, cleared the way for De Niro to star as a young Vito in the sequel.
There is a rumor that 'Reynolds, Burt' was originally cast as Michael Corleone but, Marlon Brando wouldn't act with him, considering him more a TV star.
Laurence Olivier and Edward G. Robinson were considered for the role of Vito Corleone.
Copppola wanted to cast actor Timothy Carey but Carey turned the part down so he could film a television pilot.
Among those who tested for the role of Johnny Fontane were Frankie Avalon and Vic Damone, both established singer/actors with movie experience.
'Leone, Sergio' was offered the job of direction, but refused, wanting to make his own gangster film, which eventually became Once Upon a Time in America (1984). Leone later regretted the decision.
Carmine Caridi was Francis Coppola's first choice for the role of Sonny. Robert Evans insisted he cast James Caan instead, because Al Pacino (who was relatively unknown) had been cast as Michael. Evans wanted at least one "name" actor to play one of the brothers. Caridi was later given a small part in Godfather: Part II, The (1974)
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If you still don't know what Jade Typhoon is, click here: http://jadetyphoon.blogspot.com/ (WS)
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