Al Pacino Returns to Godfather II Set After 50 Years for New Film

Al Pacino made an unexpected return to a filming site from The Godfather Part II while working on his new movie Captivated in Rome, more than five decades after shooting the classic. The moment came as a surprise to director Dito Montiel, who accompanied Pacino during production of the film inspired by the real-life kidnapping of John Paul Getty III.

This reunion with a familiar location highlights the enduring legacy of Pacino’s role as Michael Corleone and adds a poignant layer to his current work. The director shared how Pacino identified the setting immediately, confirming its significance by recognizing the kitchen where scenes were originally shot.

The Director’s Admiration for Al Pacino’s Dedication and Talent

Dito Montiel, known for directing films like A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, described his deep respect for Pacino’s craft and character. He recalled a past collaboration where Pacino impressively filmed seven pages of dialogue in a single day before performing Shakespeare in the Park that very evening. Montiel said,

“Well, I mean, I worked with him before and he’s my favorite actor of all time, period,. I mean, ‘Dog Day Afternoon,’ nobody can touch that, in my opinion. Al Pacino’s my favorite in the world and he’s also a really, really sweet guy, you know? So any chance I get to, I don’t go out to coffee much with people, but there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Al.”

—Dito Montiel, Director

He further reflected on the remarkable stamina Pacino displayed during that shoot, explaining,

“I worked with him on his 70th birthday years ago and I remember thinking we were shooting like seven pages and I thought I had broken it up into like two different, three different days. And he was like, Oh, can we try the whole thing today? Because then I’m going to do Shakespeare in the Park tonight.”

—Dito Montiel, Director

Rediscovering a Historic Set That Shaped Cinematic History

Pacino’s recognition of the filming site for The Godfather Part II came naturally as he surveyed the area where Captivated was being shot. Montiel remembered how Pacino initially expressed a sense of familiarity, stating,

“I remember we were shooting in this place… Al looks around and he goes, I think I’ve been here before.”

—Dito Montiel, Director

When Pacino confirmed his memory, the director was amazed:

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I stayed here when we were shooting Godfather II.”

—Dito Montiel, Director

Pacino requested to see the kitchen to be certain, and upon entering he said,

“Let me see the kitchen because then I’ll know if that’s it.”

—Dito Montiel, Director

Identifying the kitchen confirmed the place’s connection to the iconic film, underscoring the actor’s long career and deep ties to his legendary role.

The Enduring Impact of The Godfather Part II

The Godfather Part II, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1974, featured an all-star cast including Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. The film garnered six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is widely regarded as one of cinema’s greatest achievements. Pacino’s portrayal of Michael Corleone remains etched in film history as a defining performance that influenced the gangster genre profoundly.

Montiel recalled how casually Pacino referenced his former co-star Diane Keaton during this reunion, emphasizing the weight such a name carries. He said,

“Of course, when these guys are talking, you have to sort of like step back a minute, because Diane—if I say Diane, I’m talking about someone no one knows. If he says Diane, I’m like, wait a second, you know? And it was—he was talking about Diane Keaton. So I’m like, oh sh-t. That’s who he means, you know? He’s talking about Godfather II. I did a movie here with Diane.”

—Dito Montiel, Director

How ‘Captivated’ Bridges Past and Present in Film

The upcoming film Captivated is currently in production in Rome, drawing heavily on the rich historical and cultural atmosphere of Italy. Montiel described how the Italian locations—from Calabria’s cobblestone streets to intricately aged apartments—have inspired a new narrative style that connects with Pacino’s remarkable legacy.

The film explores the 1973 kidnapping of John Paul Getty III, focusing on the emotionally complex relationship between the Calabrian mafia boss and the victim’s mother. Pacino embodies the older version of the mafia character, portraying different time periods that evoke themes reminiscent of The Godfather Part II.

Montiel highlighted how witnessing Pacino reconnect with both his past and his new role has transformed Captivated into a rare cinematic experience, stating it promises to captivate audiences with its intimate, untold story. Though the release date remains unannounced, the film is expected to debut in theaters, continuing Pacino’s enduring influence on contemporary cinema.