 Before being cast as Michael, Al Pacino (qv) was committed to  starring in _Gang That Couldnt Shoot Straight, The (1971)_ (qv).  Director Francis Ford Coppola, in a 2003 "Cigar Aficianado"  interview, said that the Paramount brass pulled some strings and  managed to get Pacino released. The Paramount brass, particularly  production chief Robert Evans (I) (qv), were adamantly opposed to  casting Pacino, who did poorly in screen tests, until they saw his  excellent performance in _Panic in Needle Park, The (1971)_ (qv).  James Caan (qv), who was going to play Michael even though Coppola  wanted him for Sonny, went back to his original role when Pacino  came on board. Robert De Niro (qv) tested for both Michael and  Sonny and was almost cast as Carlo before being cast as Paulie.  Then, De Niro was offered Pacinos former role in "Gang". With  Coppolas blessing, De Niro backed out to take the part. This, in  turn, enabled De Niro to star as a young Vito in the sequel, which  won him an Oscar and made his career.