20 Things You Probably Didn't Know About The Godfather
15. Robert De Niro Auditoned For Sonny
When anyone discusses the performances in The Godfather, Marlon Brando and Al Pacino receive the most attention. Both performers are tremendous in their roles but that shouldn't take away from the talents of the rest of ensemble, especially James Caan. Playing the eldest of Vito's children, Santino 'Sonny' Corleone is infamous for his outbursts and compulsion to solve any problem with violence.
Even though Robert De Niro blew everyone away with his performance in The Godfather: Part II, he was very close to winning the role of Sonny in the preceding film.
Francis Ford Coppola was astounded by De Niro's performance, saying it was one of the greatest auditions he ever saw. Even though he thought De Niro was a better actor, Coppola felt Caan was better suited for the role.