Before Robert De Niro became iconic as the young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, he nearly took on a very different role in the original The Godfather. His audition for the role of Sonny Corleone revealed a comedic approach that ultimately prevented him from landing the part, but it paved the way for his unforgettable performance in the sequel.
De Niro auditioned in 1971 for the role of Vito Corleone’s eldest son, Sonny, but director Francis Ford Coppola and Paramount Studios decided against casting him. Despite missing out on this key role, his distinctive style during the audition revealed traits that would soon become central to other characters in his career, especially in the early Martin Scorsese film Mean Streets.
Robert De Niro’s Audition for Sonny Corleone in The Godfather
During preparations for the original Godfather film, Robert De Niro competed for the role of Sonny Corleone, Vito Corleone’s oldest son and primary heir to the family empire. This audition took place while De Niro was also considered for a 1971 comedy, The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight, likely influencing the tone of his performance. His rendition of Sonny carried a playful, humorous edge that both delighted and amused those present.
Had casting gone differently, De Niro might have starred in The Godfather, while Al Pacino could have ended up in the comedy instead, as Pacino nearly took De Niro’s potential part in The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight. In the end, Pacino’s legendary portrayal of Michael Corleone became inseparable from the character, firmly establishing his place in the franchise.
The audition tape, released by Francis Ford Coppola in 2024, features De Niro humorously explaining how to shoot someone in the head, causing Coppola and the production team to laugh in the background. This rare glimpse into casting sessions highlights the atmosphere on set and De Niro’s unique approach to the character.
Although De Niro came close to securing the role of Sonny, the part eventually went to James Caan, a familiar collaborator of Coppola’s who embodied the character’s aggressive and impulsive nature perfectly. Marlon Brando, who famously played Don Vito Corleone, was known for adding personal touches to his characters, influencing the tone and depth of the film’s portrayal of mob leadership.
Why Francis Ford Coppola Passed on De Niro for Sonny Corleone
The laughter that accompanied De Niro’s audition for Sonny Corleone suggests why he was not cast in the role: his portrayal leaned too heavily into comedy. Sonny Corleone was meant to express a form of intense, macho masculinity that De Niro’s interpretation undercut with humor.
Sonny’s character is defined by his volatile temper, impulsiveness, and need to demonstrate toughness, traits that mask his less developed intellect and strategic skills compared to his father, Vito. While James Caan’s performance struck a compelling balance, naturally capturing Sonny’s brash yet vulnerable qualities, De Niro’s comic timing was a mismatch for the part’s serious tone.
This decision likely influenced De Niro’s later accomplishments. Both of his Oscar-winning performances have roots that can be traced to the kind of intensity he was developing during this period, distinct from the overt humor that emerged during his Sonny audition. Caan’s embodiment of Sonny’s masculine arrogance was precisely what Coppola sought to portray, something De Niro’s audition did not deliver at that time.
De Niro’s Eventual Role as Young Vito Corleone Proved Ideal
In addition to auditioning for Sonny Corleone, De Niro nearly played Paulie Gatto, a smaller but still important character in The Godfather. However, casting him in a minor role would have underused his talents and prevented him from taking on the critically acclaimed role of young Vito Corleone in the 1974 sequel, The Godfather Part II.
De Niro perfectly matched Marlon Brando’s magnetic presence, capturing the essence of Don Corleone’s youth without resorting to mimicry. Few actors could have accomplished the difficult task of continuing a character so iconic while making it distinctly their own. Through his nuanced portrayal, De Niro also subtly mirrored Michael Corleone’s evolution during the earlier film, providing depth to the franchise‘s overarching narrative.
Although the ages of the two actors differed from their characters’ timelines, De Niro convincingly played a much younger Vito, adding credibility and heft to the portrayal. His interpretation fulfilled the expectations set by Brando’s legendary performance while expanding the character’s backstory dramatically.
Ultimately, Francis Ford Coppola’s decision to not cast De Niro as Sonny paved the way for one of the most respected performances in film history. By the time The Godfather Part II was filmed, De Niro’s acting had matured, and he embraced the role without any of the comedic elements present in his earlier audition. His portrayal as young Vito Corleone has become one of the defining moments of his career, solidifying his legendary status in cinema history.
“On the other hand, De Niro couldn’t have been far away from getting the role of Michael’s older brother. He was a reputable young actor in New York who was already familiar to Francis Ford Coppola when he auditioned.” —Francis Ford Coppola
“As the actor pretends to be explaining to Michael Corleone how to shoot someone in the head, we can hear Coppola and members of The Godfather’s production team laughing in the background.” —Francis Ford Coppola
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Robert De Niro Italian or Albanian?
A. Robert De Niro’s father’s father came from Italy. His other family roots include Irish, English, Dutch, German, and French heritage. He studied acting at the Stella Adler Conservatory and the American Workshop.
Q. Why did Jennifer Lawrence ask Robert De Niro to leave her wedding?
A. Jennifer Lawrence found her wedding rehearsal dinner lacking in excitement. Because of this, she requested that Robert De Niro leave. In a January 7 red carpet interview with E! News, Lawrence mentioned that being a bride was very stressful.
Q. How many times has Robert De Niro been married and how many kids does he have?
A. Robert De Niro, married two times, is the father of seven kids. Check out pictures of his ex-wives and family here.
Q. Can Robert De Niro speak Italian?
A. Robert De Niro takes pride in his Italian heritage, with his great-grandparents originating from Molise. His skill in speaking the Sicilian dialect in The Godfather II helped him win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
