Al Pacino, the iconic actor known for his portrayal of Michael Corleone in The Godfather trilogy, recently shared a surprising revelation about his early days on the set. In an episode of the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast, he confessed that the pressures of the role were so immense that he actually wished for an injury to get him out of the film.
Al Pacino Relieved After Set Injury on The Godfather
Al Pacino in The Godfather (1972). Image Credit: Paramount Pictures
The Godfather trilogy remains one of the most iconic in cinematic history, with the sequel often regarded as the finest of the three. A major reason for this praise is its focus on the complex narratives of both Vito and Michael Corleone. Al Pacino, who portrayed the role of Michael Corleone, revealed that his early experiences with the character almost cost him his spot in the movie. The renowned Hollywood actor, now 84, was initially nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in director Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 epic about the Cosa Nostra. However, during a recent conversation, Pacino confessed that the pressure of playing Michael made him consider leaving the film entirely.
While speaking on the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast, Pacino shared one of the critical moments where his desire to exit the film was at its peak. He reflected on a specific scene where Michael Corleone eliminates two enemies before swiftly jumping into a moving car. The absence of a stuntman during the scene turned out to be both physically demanding and mentally overwhelming for Pacino. He humorously remarked, “They didn’t have a stuntman [on set]. Maybe they assumed that I would jump and get hurt, and I’d be outta the film.” Though it sounded like a joke, the reality was that Pacino did sprain his ankle during the shoot after missing the landing.
The injury felt like a stroke of luck to the actor, who admitted he viewed it as a possible escape from the pressure of the role. Pacino recalled, “My ankle was hurt, somehow it slipped. The car had one of those side things that you could jump on and then jump in. So I was just looking up at the sky and I said, ‘Thank you, God.’ This was my thought. I actually said, ‘Thank you, God. You’re gonna get me out of this film.’ That’s how much I wanted to leave it. I said, ‘This is from heaven.'”
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However, despite the injury, Pacino’s departure from the film was not to be. Instead of allowing him to take a break, the film crew quickly treated his ankle so he could continue shooting the scene. He recounted, “People just swallowed, got around me and they said, ‘He’s hurt.’ … And then they put one of these big fat needles in my ankle so I could finish the day, and they kept me.” What seemed like a potential exit for Pacino turned out to be a temporary setback, and he went on to deliver one of the most memorable performances in film history.
The Iconic Role of Michael Corleone: A Near Miss for Al Pacino
Al Pacino in The Godfather (1972). Image Credit: Paramount Pictures
The casting of Michael Corleone was a crucial decision for the film’s success. As the protagonist and the central figure in the Corleone family’s rise and fall, Michael’s character arc was integral to the story. Had the role been given to a different actor, it could have significantly altered the film’s trajectory and potentially affected the reception of its sequels.
Among the actors considered for the part were Jack Nicholson, Robert Redford, James Caan, and Warren Beatty. Each of these actors brought their own unique strengths to the table, and it is intriguing to imagine how the film might have unfolded with any of them in the lead role.
Pacino himself has often reflected on the uncertainty surrounding his casting. According to the actor, director Francis Ford Coppola had his reservations about whether he was the right fit for the part. “You know, I had faith in you. I believed in you,” Coppola is said to have told Pacino, but he then expressed doubts by saying, “Well, you’re not cutting it.” This moment of uncertainty pushed Pacino to reassess his approach. He was advised to review the footage shot up to that point, and in doing so, he realized that his performance, while understated, was building towards something much more profound. Watching those early takes, Pacino noted, “That is not spectacular, but why should it be?”
Coppola’s direction proved crucial in shaping Pacino’s portrayal of Michael Corleone. The actor came to understand that his character’s subtle, reserved demeanor was key to the transformation audiences would later witness. He explained, “I thought, well, I know that’s the way it looks now, but that’s part of what is going to turn into Michael Corleone and that’s gonna be the impact, because where did this guy come from?” Michael’s enigmatic presence throughout the first two films, especially, was something Pacino leaned into, creating a character that is as elusive as he is compelling.
However, with Coppola’s guidance and Pacino’s dedication, the actor was able to find the right approach to the role. By studying the footage that had already been shot and analyzing Michael’s character arc, Pacino was able to develop a more nuanced and compelling performance. Together, Coppola and Pacino created a character that has become one of the most iconic and enduring figures in film history.
The Godfather is streaming on Netflix and Paramount+.
