The Godfather question

Of all the goofy questions.

First of all, you couldn't make a better-looking version than the one Coppola gave us. That flick is just as gorgeous now as it ever was. Cameras and lenses today can't touch the ones Coppola used; why? Because today's flicks are shot with all sorts of crap digital equipment and computerized post-process instead of authentic. You might not even get a 'film' shot on celluloid at all these days.

Second, you couldn't find a better director (there are no directors today worth a shyt). You wouldn't find one more devoted than Coppola was to this project of his. That kind of intensity just doesn't happen anymore (in 'computerized' Hollywood).

Third, actors. Who on earth-- from today's untalented drove of clumsy, piddling, pretty boys--could stand up to Pacino, DeNiro, Duvall, Caan, BRANDO? I mean seriously, are you out of your mind? The premier actors of our era. Why even contemplate a remake?

Just retire this whole topic, if I were you that's what I'd do.

Marlon Blando - Christopher Walken
Al Pacino - Jonathan Rhys Meyes
Diane Keaton - Amy Adams
Robert Duval - Cary Elwes
Talia Shire - Maggie Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal as Sollozzo.
Emma Watson as Kay Adams.
Mickey Rourke as Luca Brasi.
Leonardo di Caprio as Jack Woltz. (LdC couldn't play Michael who was 23 when the story starts)
George Clooney as Barzini.
Bruce Willis as McCluskey.
Russel Crowe as Bruno Tattaglia
Benedict Cumberbatch as Tom Hagen.

I’ve spent some time thinking about this. And as much as it should never be touched again, this is what I’ve come up with. My casting also bleeds into some characters from part II

Vito Corleone - Robert DeNiro/Dan Hedaya/ Billy Zane
Young Vito Corleone - Leonardo DiCaprio(de-aged)
Michael - Milo Ventimiglia
Sonny - Bradley Cooper
Fredo - Michael Bacall
Hagen - Oscar Isaac
Kay - Jen Lawrence
Connie - Nina Dobrev
Clamenza- Vincent Pastore
Luca Brasi - Steve Schirripa/Joe Manganiello
Jack Wolz- Joe Pesci/ James Caan /Jack Nicholson/ Paul Giamatti
Tessio - Tony Sirico
Sollozzo - Michael Imperioli
Capt. McClusky - Vince Vaughn/Gary Sinese
Hyman Roth - Dustin Hoffman

Don Vito- Jeffery dean morgan
Michael Corleone- jake Gyllenhaal
Santino Corleone- Christian bale
Fredo Corleone- Jared Leto
Connie Corleone- Vera farmiga
Tom Hagen- Patrick Wilson

Remake Godfather III

Today the standard of actors at the optimum age for each role, is nowhere near as high as when the original movie was made.

I agree with JDK1962, that only films which have aged badly should be remade. The Godfather will never fall into that category in my opinion.

If pushed, I would say Daniel Day Lewis as Don Vito Corleone. And I would maybe consider giving the role of the Consigliore to a woman or an ethnic minority to bring it up to the 21st century.

Slightly off-topic, knowing Hollywood, they would find a way of getting Bradley Cooper into the movie somehow. Granted the man looks good in a suit, but is a terrible actor.

It would be a very hard feat to direct, cast, and produce something that wouldn't sully the original. I do think that Martin Scorsese could direct something wonderful.

After that I think it would be more of just a daydream.

I'm not sure of roles but I would love Michael Shannon as Brasi. Gyllenhaal I think would be a great addition and I could even see Adrien Brody in there.

The Godfather- Al Pacino
Micheal Corleone- Butler
Connie- Anne Hathaway
Maggie- Emma Watson
Johny Fontane- Brad Pitt

Don Vito Corleone: Robert De Niro
Tom Hagen: Tom hanks
Sonny Corleone: Ian somerhalder
Michael Corleone:Zac Efron
Mama Corleone: Meryl Streep
Kay Adams: Kristen stewart

Sonny Corleone: Matthew McConaughey
Michael Corleone: Leonardo de Caprio
Don Vito: Russell Crowe

I'd have to agree with Feliks also. They just could not top it, trying to do so would be a HUGE waste of time. No matter what they did or who they used, it would come off as cheesy and sub par.

Those recommended are excellent actors, but I just don't think they could top what's been done.

Martin Scorsese could direct it. Leonardo DeCaprio might be Michael. Armand Assante as Sonny. Tony LoBianco would fit in there somewhere. Lorraine Bracco. Maybe Michelle Pfeifer. Tom Hanks as Fredo. Danny Aiello.
There could never be a remake of this "once in a lifetime classic movie" but if there was, those are some actors I think might be a good fit.

I don't know, it can't be topped for the leads

Nobody. I would burn the studio and everyone inside.

Not that I think a remake is needed...but if it was to be remade then why a movie...I think it would be better served as an HBO/BBC stylee 2 season thing.
But, aye, leave it alone...

It's impossible to imagine. There is a reason why THE GODFATHER is often listed as one of the greatest films of all times.
Feliks is right: from the cinematography to the casting to the director, you can't do better...and I pity the fool that tries.

Definitely agree with Feliks on this one. There are many, many movies that have aged badly (or were crap movies made from good books), and would be great candidates for a remake. This was not one of them. This was a crap pulp novel made into an absolutely brilliant pair of films.

Ok, if I had a magic wand, I'd replace Diane Keaton (I have nothing against DK as an actress, just that she wasn't anywhere near Pacino's level at that time, and came off as "acting"). But that's a pretty minor quibble.

But remaking I & II would be like trying to remake Casablanca. You'd fail and anyone with taste would hate you for even trying.