According toThe Economic Times, Pacino was paid only $35,000 for his leading role.

This disparity in salary makes sense when considering how much of a box office draw Castellano was forThe Godfather.

Castellano was the opposite, and the film needed somebody like him to give it some general appeal.

The Godfather Poster

Peter Clemenza in The Godfather

This Terrible Gangster Movie Starring Robert De Niro Came Out Just 1 Year Before The Godfather & Almost Featured Al Pacino Instead

Marlon Brando

Headshot of Al Pacino

Movies

The Godfather