What happened to The Godfather cast?

Despite initial bad reviews, 1972's 'The Godfather' is seen as both the ultimate Mafia film and one of the greatest movies of all time.

Little wonder really, Francis Ford Coppola's epic movie is a masterful adaptation of Mario Puzo's novel, full of cinematic flourishes and jam-packed with quotable dialogue. It also has one of the best casts ever assembled.

So what subsequently happened to the stars of that classic? Were there many offers they couldn't refuse? Let's examine....

Marlon Brando
Coppola dismissed concerns from worried studio executives about hiring Marlon Brando, as the legendary actor was gaining himself a reputation of being difficult. (The director would wish he listened to them when he cast Brando again for the troubled production of 'Apocalypse Now'). In 'The Godfather' he delivered arguably his most iconic performance and bagged himself a second Oscar — his previous win came from his role in 'On The Waterfront'.

He caused controversy in 'Last Tango in Paris' because of the film's erotic nature and he earned a whopping £2.3 million for his small part in 1978's 'Superman: The Movie'. Through the years he became more known for his troublesome reputation and ever expanding girth than his obvious acting talents - he was, after all, the poster boy of method acting. The film 'Island of Dr Moreau' marked a low point in a career that was full of incredible highs. Brando sadly died in 2004.

Al Pacino
'The Godfather', and indeed its two sequels, hinges on Michael Corleone; and Pacino bears the weight of responsibility with ease. He's mesmerising throughout, marking him at the time as one of the most exciting young actors around.

Ironic then, as studio executives were said to be against the casting of Pacino, preferring more established actors like Robert Redford or Warren Beatty for the part. But Coppola insisted on Pacino.

During the '70s Pacino seemed to have a radar attracting him to the best scripts the decade had to offer, starring in a number of classics like 'Serpico' and 'Dog Day Afternoon'. The '80s didn't have the same hit rate for Pacino, although the controversial 'Cruising' is still worth a look, even if it's very dated. There was of course 'Scarface' as well. He may have finally won his first Oscar for 1992's 'Scent of a Woman' but his shouty rages in that film and other performances have left him open to parody nowadays. Despite some turkeys during the '90s and 2000s, there have been some highlights, including 'Donnie Brasco', 'Carlito's Way', 'The Insider', 'Insomnia' and the team-up with Robert DeNiro in 'Heat'. (Never had a coffee between two middle-aged men been so anticipated). The less said about their reunion in 2008's 'Righteous Kill' the better, sadly.

James Caan
Tough as nails and brash would be two ways to describe James Caan's character Sonny Corleone. It would also be used to describe Caan himself, so defined he was by his memorable performance in the 1972 movie. He would also star in 1975's 'Rollerball'.

Drug problems and the death of his sister hit him hard during the '80s, resulting in a career that looked like going nowhere. Special mention though for crazy alien and cop buddy movie 'Alien Nation'.
Luckily, a starring role in Stephen King's 1990 thriller 'Misery' resulted in a comeback. He has continued to work steadily on the big and small screen, including roles in 'Elf', 'Mickey Blue Eyes' and TV series 'Las Vegas'. Up next is the thriller 'Middle Men' alongside Luke Wilson and Giovanni Ribisi.

Robert Duvall
Firmly established as an actor before 'The Godfather' (his previous roles included 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'Bullitt'), he nonetheless caused a stir as the cunning Tom Hagen, and was nominated for an Oscar for his performance.

Duvall has quietly gone about his way delivering solid performance after solid performance throughout the years, with the occasional burst of virtuoso acting like 'Tender Mercies' and 'The Apostle'. He has won several awards, including a Golden Globe for the TV western 'Lonesome Dove', a genre that seems a perfect match for the craggy-faced actor. He has shown a lighter side to his personality in recent years, starring in 'Kicking and Screaming' and 'Four Christmases'. Last year, however, saw him take on more serious turns in 'Crazy Heart' and 'The Road'.

Talia Shire
Accusations of nepotism aside (she's the sister of Francis Ford Coppola), Talia Shire's career was on the rise after the small but pivotal role of Connie Corleone — and she famously went on to play Adrian in all the 'Rocky' films, bar the last one. She received two Oscar nominations — a best actress for 'Rocky' and a best supporting actress for 'The Godfather Part II'. Despite starring in a number of films, she has never escaped those two signature roles. Recent films include 'I Heart Huckabees' and 'Homo Erectus', with a series of movies slated to be released next year.

John Cazale
One of the greatest actors in the '70s, he would appear in only five films — with all five receiving Best Picture nominations.

He was stunning as the timidly duplicitous Fredo in 'The Godfather' series, and would team up with Pacino again in the superb hostage drama 'Dog Day Afternoon'. Cazale also impressed in 'The Conversation' and 'The Deer Hunter', which also featured his then fiancée Meryl Streep. Sadly, he died from bone cancer shortly after filming his scenes for 'The Deer Hunter'.

Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton was a virtual unknown at the time of her casting as Kay Adams, Michael's girlfriend. She was reluctant to return for the sequel, but changed her mind when she saw the script, pleased that they had added more depth to her character.

Her role in the franchise was fairly minor - one critic said she was "invisible" in the first movie. She was still a rising star, however, and 1977's 'Annie Hall' showcased her talents, as well making her a fashion icon.
She carved out a hugely successful career afterwards, starring in a number of films, including 'Something's Gotta Give', 'Manhattan Murder Mystery' and 'Father of the Bride'.

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