Francis Ford Coppola has politely apologized for starting the Hollywood trend of making sequels, admitting he’s a “jerk” for it.
Two years after making The Godfather, the acclaimed director, 85, made the famous 1974 film The Godfather Part II, which is widely known as one of the best sequels of all time.
However, according to Coppola, he tried to get out of making the second film by making crazy demands – even suggesting new director Martin Scorsese to direct the film.
However, after much back and forth with Paramount Pictures, Coppola asked for a high fee of $1 million ($6 million in 2024), which they agreed to.
He also stated that he wanted to call the film The Godfather Part II, which was a new idea in Hollywood at the time, as numbered sequels did not yet exist.
Even though executives thought he was “crazy,” they gave it the green light.
Speak with The Washington PostCoppola said: ‘They basically said, “Francis, you made Coca-Cola. Are you going to stop making Coke?”
“So I’m the idiot who started songs about movies.”
Francis Ford Coppola has apologized for starting the Hollywood trend of making sequels
He made The Godfather Part II in 1974, starring John Cazale and Al Pacino (photo)
He added: ‘I am ashamed and apologize to everyone.’
Coppola’s apology comes after sequels have been labeled outdated.
The Godfather Part II, starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, presents two dramas.
The first concerns the 1958 story of Michael Corleone (Pacino), the new Don of the Corleone family, who protects the family business in the aftermath of an attempt on his life.
The second follows his father Vito Corleone (De Niro), from his Sicilian childhood to the founding of his family business in New York City.
Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Morgana King, John Cazale, Marianna Hill and Lee Strasberg also star.
Coppola’s film is a true rarity, a sequel that is just as compelling as the original.
The Godfather Part II was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and became the first sequel to win Best Picture.
Seen here from left, Bruno Kirby as a young Peter Clemenza, Robert De Niro as Vito Corleone and John Aprea (back to camera) as a young Sal Tessio
Coppola revealed that he made a lot of demands in an attempt to avoid making the sequel
The six Oscar wins also included Best Director for Coppola, Best Supporting Actor for De Niro and Best Adapted Screenplay for Coppola and Puzo.
Pacino won Best Actor at the BAFTAs and was nominated for the Oscars.
Coppola’s comments come after a huge year of sequels in cinemas around the world.
Dune: Part Two, starring Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, was released in theaters in March.
It was the sequel to the 2021 film Dune, an epic science fiction set in the distant future.
Inside Out 2 hit theaters in June, nine years after the original Pixar film premiered.
In a recent interview, he said, “So I’m the jerk who started songs about movies. I am ashamed and apologize to everyone.”
Hollywood has been hard at work making sequels this year, including Moana 2
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 horror-comedy, was released in September.
The film saw Micheal Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara reprise their roles alongside new cast members including Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux.
More recently, Gladiator 2 hit theaters in October.
The Ridley Scott sequel, starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joeseph Quinn and Denzel Washington, was released 24 years after the five-time Oscar-winning original.
Disney’s Moana 2, the sequel to the beloved animated film Moana, arrived last week and follows the titular character as he ventures to the distant seas of Oceania.
Looking ahead to next year, Wicked: Part Two is scheduled for release in November 2025.