Al Pacino Nearly Fired from The Godfather

In his memoir 'Sonny Boy', Al Pacino reveals he was nearly fired from his iconic role as Michael Corleone in 'The Godfather' just a week into filming due to concerns about his performance. Director Francis Ford Coppola expressed his faith in Pacino but indicated that he was not delivering the necessary intensity for the character. The studio preferred more established actors like Jack Nicholson and Robert Redford, casting doubt on Pacino's suitability for the role. However, after reviewing footage together, Coppola decided to film a pivotal scene to showcase Pacino's potential, which ultimately secured his position in the film. Pacino's portrayal became a defining moment in cinema, leading to a celebrated career. Coppola has since described the first two films as one cohesive story, with the third serving merely as an epilogue.