“The film cannot be done without you”: 52 years ago, Coppola did everything to ensure that this cinema legend returns in the godfather 2

In 1972, Francis Ford Coppola revolutionized cinema with the godfather, monumental fresco around the Corleone family, carried by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Talia Shire, Diane Keaton or John Cazale.

Three years after the phenomenal success of the godfather, the director offers us the second opus, which will become a real monument of the 7th art. As we all know, Marlon Brando does not resume her role as Don Vito Corleone in this work.

It is Robert de Niro who replaces him, embodying a younger version of the character played by Brando in the first part. However, it was not really planned at the start. Coppola absolutely wanted Marlon Brando to resume his role in the godfather 2 but the legendary actor refused.

The last chance letter

In conflict with the producers, he had notably complained about the way he had been treated and he was unhappy with certain aspects of filming and the promotion of the film. This left stubborn resentments, especially with the Paramount studio. In April 1973, Coppola tried a final approach to Marlon Brando, sending him a moving letter, which you can read below in its entirety.

Letter from Francis Ford Coppola to Marlon Brando (April 1973)

Monday, dear Marlon,

I heard that you were back from the south of the Pacific; But I didn't want to call you because I always feel a little stupid when I approach the godfather's question. I know that you answer my calls in a personal and friendly way, suddenly I cannot want to make it misuse and mention what bothers me.

My problem is simply that I put the project constantly until later because I think it is possible that you decide to play the young Vito Corleone. I saw, before, how a fact can arise from a meager possibility, and I therefore did my best to arouse such an outcome.

I became a real monster acting behind the scenes to play both of Frank Yablans,, Robert Evans And Charles Bludhorntrying to convince them to let me do what I want. I tell Yablans that only he can do it. Then I say the same thing to Evans.

I tell them that the film cannot be made without you; I tell Yablans that he must apologize to you. Now Yablans says he is trying to do the necessary, and make an effort for money etc., but you don't answer his calls. Evans wants to meet you; But Yablans is terrified at the idea that he succeeds where he failed him … so he prevents this from being achieved.

But what is really about is me. Marlon, I respect you a lot; And if you told me that you did not want to do it, whatever the circumstances … Of course, I would respect your decision and never make it mention. And if you wanted, I wouldn't say it to anyone else. You taught me a lot of things … One of them is that it is only a film, very little compared to all that the world contains.

At times, I ardently try to imagine what is going on in your mind. I realized that you have been in this strange condition of worship and exhibition for 25 years now, intensely … and I think it would have drove me crazy. And the fact that you are really a good, warm man, and that you like people, is an exceptional accomplishment, since you have been in a glass box during half of your life.

I always wanted to tell you all this, although it has nothing to do with this letter. All I mean is that you will be part of this film; I will do my best to make it good, human, and that it expresses the idea that the mafia is just a metaphor on America and its capitalism, which is ready to do anything to protect itself and preserve itself. (I will do it whatever happens, if you are not in the film, but it would be better if you were part of it, and you would help me with your ideas while I work on the script.)

If you are not part of it, I would not love you less. All I ask is that you tell me without being doubted longer, please. I am very happy and have a great time here. After this film, I leave the cinema industry, and I will do other things that fascinate me (which can concern cinema).

In all sincerity, Francis