 Actors competing for the role of Vincent Mancini, according to  Francis Ford Coppola (qv), included: Alec Baldwin (qv),  Matt Dillon (I) (qv), Vincent Spano (qv), Val Kilmer (qv),  Charlie Sheen (I) (qv), Billy Zane (qv) and Nicolas Cage (qv).  Julia Roberts (I) (qv) was Coppolas dream choice for Mary  Corleone, but she had scheduling conflicts at both times when the  role was open. Madonna (I) (qv) campaigned for the role of Mary  Corleone, and had a meeting with Coppola and Robert De Niro (qv)  to discuss how to adapt the role to their ages. In real life,  Madonna (I) (qv) is only 12 years younger than Diane Keaton (qv)  who plays Mary Corleones mother.