Brandos Oscar-winning portrayal of Don Corleone has become the stuff of legend.
Meanwhile, famous fans of PuzosGodfathernovel lobbied Puzo, Coppola and the studio to be cast in the part.
In the end, though, the two creative visionaries behind the film got their way.
After executives were bowled over by his screen tests,Paramount simply couldnt refuse to cast Brando inThe Godfather.
No fewer than 11 other potential Don Corleones were left disappointed.
Ernest Borgnine was the first name he put forward with this belief in mind (viaVanity Fair).
Custom image by Milica Djordjevic
Although not widely remembered today, Borgnine certainly had the acting pedigree to take on the role.
At the age of 54, Borgnine was muchcloser to Vito Corleones age than the 47-year-old Brando.
Bluhdorn liked to be personally involved in casting decisions concerning his studios major productions, andThe Godfatherwas no exception.
In retrospect, however, its clear that his acting style wouldnt have suitedThe Godfathers understated, simmering intensity.
Conte was likely never seriously considered for the role of Vito Corleone, though (viaChicago Tribune).
Marlon Brando played one of cinema’s defining characters, Vito Corleone, in the 1972 movie The Godfather.
But how much was he paid for the role?
He apparently reminded Evans of the Vito Corleone he saw in PuzosGodfathernovel.
Coppola was almost certainly against the idea, and justifiably so.
Nevertheless, Vallones lack of lead roles in English-language movies probably counted against him.
