Al Pacino Agreed to "The Godfather Part III" Due to Bankruptcy The Star of "The Godfather" Admitted He Took the Role in the Third Film Only for the Money
Legendary Hollywood actor Al Pacino has recently opened up about the financial struggles that led him to participate in the making of "The Godfather Part III." In his new memoirs, the 84-year-old actor candidly discusses the financial difficulties that forced him to accept an offer he was initially hesitant about.
Turning Down the Role Was Difficult
When discussions for a third installment of the iconic mafia saga began, Al Pacino thought long and hard about the offer. He understood clearly that replicating the success of the first two films would be nearly impossible. However, Pacino ultimately agreed to reprise his role as Michael Corleone, though his decision was driven not by creative ambition but by financial necessity. He recalls, "The third film was different from the first two. Sixteen years had passed, and I had no choice. I was broke. Francis [Ford Coppola] was in a tight spot too. We both needed the money."
At that time, Pacino's career, while still respectable in terms of reputation, had encountered financial challenges, leaving the actor with little choice but to accept the offer to improve his situation.
Critics and Audiences Were Not Impressed
"The Godfather Part III," despite positive reviews from critics, did not generate the same level of enthusiasm as the first two films. The movie earned a "fresh" rating of 66 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, but this fell short of the critical acclaim garnered by the previous two parts, which are considered cinematic masterpieces. Pacino admitted that audiences didn’t quite appreciate the direction taken with his character, Michael Corleone. "I don't think viewers wanted to see Michael seeking forgiveness for his sins throughout the movie. They wanted Michael to stay Michael. That's what they liked about him," the actor explained.
Financial Struggles Led to Tough Choices
One of the primary reasons Pacino returned to the role of Michael Corleone was his dire financial situation in the late 1980s. The actor reflects that by the time "The Godfather Part III" came around, his finances were nearly in ruins. "After turning 70, my money ran out," Pacino admitted. He revealed that he had to take on roles that didn’t particularly interest him, purely to keep afloat financially. "Sometimes I don't even remember being in those movies," he added with a touch of regret.
Box Office Success of the Film
Despite the mixed reactions from audiences, "The Godfather Part III" managed to gross $136 million worldwide on a budget of $50 million. While it didn’t reach the heights of its predecessors, it was still a financial success.