Francis Ford Coppola convinced a Batman star to play a Jew in The Godfather against his wishes with 1 trick that stuck with him forever

Sure, there’s no shortage of raucous voices in Tinseltown, but if there’s one name that rings a bell louder than a Las Vegas jackpot, it’s Alex Rocco. Ever wonder how he got convinced to play a controversial Jewish casino owner in The godfather?

The late, great Alex Rocco, who rose to fame with his brazen portrayal of Moe Greene in a 1972 Mafia classic, left us with nothing but indelible lines like:You’re not buying me out. I’m buying you out.” Oh wait, he also taught us that sometimes a nudge from a visionary director like Francis Ford Coppola can turn someone who initially said “no” into a Hollywood legend.

Yes, getting the role of Moe Greene wasn’t as easy as it seems. Initially, Rocco was hesitant to take the role, especially given the character’s Jewish background. However, Coppola, the mastermind behind The godfather, had other plans.

The godfather: How Francis Ford Coppola Convinced Alex Rocco to Play a Jewish Gangster

Alex Rocco, the Emmy-winning actor who was celebrated for his unforgettable role as Las Vegas casino magnate Moe Greene in The godfather, died at age 79 (via THR).

In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Greene takes a bullet through his glasses while lying on a massage table, turning his bravado into a grim punchline. His line, “I made my bones when you went out with cheerleaders!” remains a classic example of his sharp delivery and unmistakable flair.

But landing the role of Moe Greene wasn’t as easy as pie. Then came Francis Ford Coppola, who had plans of his own. With the finesse of a master puppeteer, Coppola turned Rocco’s doubts into one of his most defining roles.

As Rocco said (via THR):

When I got the part, I went to Francis Ford Coppola. At that time, they said, “Read (Mazio Puzo’s) book,” which I did. Then the actor would tell me what role he or she wanted.

Well, I went for… I don’t know, one of the Italian parts. Maybe the Richard Bright part (Al Neri). But Coppola says, ‘I have my Jew!’ And I said, ‘Oh no, Mr. Coppola, I’m Italian.

Coppola’s response was dismissive of Rocco’s concerns. He demonstrated a simple gesture to distinguish between Italian and Jewish mannerisms, using his hand movements to convey the difference. Rocco added:

And he says, “Oh, shut up.” (Laughs.) He says, “The Italians do this,” and he puts his fingers up. “And the Jews do this,” and his hand is out, palm flat. The best bit of directing I’ve ever had. I’ve been playing Jews ever since.

Coppola’s nonchalant direction, despite Rocco’s reservations, proved to be a pivotal moment for him. Rocco considered this direction the “largest piece towards” he once received, and it ultimately shaped his career, allowing him to portray Jewish characters with confidence and success from then on.

The scene in The godfather That James Caan wanted to keep

Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfatherr is a cinematic heavyweight. But even with his legendary status, not everyone behind the scenes was full of praise for him.

James Caan, who thrilled audiences as Sonny Corleone, still had a bone to pick with the final cut of the film. In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Caan, who died in 2022, recounted a scene that didn’t make the cut. He was so angry about the missing footage that he walked out of an early screening:

When Michael (Al Pacino) tells me he’s going to take on the cop and Sollozzo (Al Lettieri), I say, ‘You’re going to get brains about your nice Ivy League suit.’ There was a scene earlier in the same room where I was with Bobby (Duvall) that was like 10 pages long – and Francis (Ford Coppola) cut it all out!

Caan’s frustration was clear while adding:

I was so angry that I couldn’t watch the rest of the movie.

It was clear that he felt abandoned and that his hard work had been reduced to a footnote in Coppola’s grand vision.

Despite his grumbling, Caan didn’t let his sour grapes spoil the party entirely; he did acknowledge the role Coppola played in shaping the film’s legacy.

And what a history it has made! With a box office gross between $250 and $291 million (Box Office Mojo), The godfather was not only a huge success in 1972, but also earned him the title of highest grossing film of its time.

The godfather will be available to stream on Paramount+ from August 19, 2024.