Coppola's upcoming revised cut of The Godfather Part III isn't the only offer being given this year for fans of the Mario Puzo-written films (See the poster for the new cut here). Nor is it the only long-gestating project for that matter. Currently titled Francis And The Godfather, and based on a Black List script by Andrew Farotte, the project has been in development by director Barry Levinson for some time. Redeveloped by him from the original pitch, the film is set to be produced by Mike Marcus, Doug Mankoff, Kevin Turen, Jon Levin, Jason Sosnoff and Andrew Spaulding.
The story itself will focus on the chaotic production of the original Godfather film, particularly the battles between a young Francis Ford Coppola and producer Robert Evans. Some of these battles are as famous as the movie itself, including Coppola wrestling with Evans to have Marlon Brando cast as the titular character, despite the actor being known to be difficult to work with and not having a hit film in years. However, there are some things less known such as, apparently, Coppola convincing Evans and the studio to allow him to film expensively in New York even though original Mario Puzo's original script was set in Kansas. Oh...and the actual mob were upset with the film.
While the actual course of the film's narrative have not been revealed, it's been confirmed today that Oscar Isaac will play Francis Ford Coppola and Jake Gyllenhaal will play Robert Evans. It'll be curious to see what actors are cast to play the other famous players in this true story. Stay tuned!
Meh