When Marlon Brando was finally cast as Vito Corleone in The Godfather (1972), I reckon he knew it was his last chance in a Hollywood film. Producers – including those at Paramount studios – were all too aware of Brando’s reputation for being “difficult” on a film set. Director Francis Ford Coppola had a huge battle on his hands, in convincing the studio that Brando was right for the part and that he would be professional during production.
As a result, I haven’t read or heard anything about Marlon Brando being uncooperative or holding up filming. On the contrary, the actor was described as being approachable, communicative and an inspiration to some of the other cast members. Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, James Caan were in slight awe of him.
It was a gamble that truly paid off. Marlon Brando became a bankable star once again and gave a performance that won him his second oscar for Best Actor.