Francis Ford Coppola apologizes for starting ‘stale’ Hollywood movie trend

As a die-hard fan of cinematic masterpieces, I find myself utterly captivated by Francis Ford Coppola‘s recent apology for starting the trend of sequel films. The man who breathed life into The Godfather Part II, one of the most brilliant follow-ups in film history, now stands humbled and contrite, acknowledging his role as the ‘jerk’ who started numbered movies.

In a humble manner, Francis Ford Coppola has expressed his regrets for pioneering the practice of creating sequel movies in Hollywood, acknowledging that he acted imprudently in doing so.

Eighteen months following the release of The Godfather, a highly esteemed filmmaker, aged 85 at that time, went on to create The Godfather Part II in 1974, a sequel often hailed as one of the finest ever made.

As per Coppola’s account, he attempted to step away from creating the second film by putting forward extravagant requests, including proposing a relatively new director, Martin Scorsese, to take over instead.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’ve had some fascinating negotiations – none more so than the one I recently had with Paramount Pictures regarding a project. Despite some back-and-forth, I boldly asked for a substantial fee to ensure the quality of my work – a cool million dollars in today’s terms, but fast forward to 2024, that figure will be a staggering $6 million. Thankfully, they agreed to my terms, making this collaboration one for the history books!

Additionally, he expressed his intention to title the movie “The Godfather Part II,” an innovative approach in Hollywood back then since numbered sequels had not gained traction in the film industry yet.

Although execs thought him to be ‘nuts,’ they greenlit it. 

Addressing The Washington Post, I shared my thoughts, “They essentially asked me, ‘Apolla, after creating the essence of Coca-Cola, are you planning to cease production of colas?’

‘So, I’m the jerk that started numbers on movies.’ 

He added: ‘I’m embarrassed, and I apologize to everyone.’

Coppola’s apology comes after sequel films have been branded stale.  

Starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, The Godfather Part II presents two dramas.

Initially, we follow the narrative of Michael Corleone (Pacino), who assumes the role as head of the Corleone family following a plot against him, and subsequently safeguarding their criminal enterprise.

The story unfolds, tracing the life journey of a character who is the son of Vito Corleone (played by De Niro). This journey takes us from his Sicilian upbringing all the way to the establishment of his business empire in New York City.

Alongside Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Morgana King, John Cazale, Marianna Hill, and Lee Strasberg, this film boasts an impressive cast.

Coppola’s film is that real rarity, a sequel that is as compelling as the original.

In the Academy Awards, The Godfather Part II received a total of eleven nominations, making it the initial sequel to claim the Best Picture award.

The film earned six Oscars, with Francis Ford Coppola winning the Best Director award, Robert De Niro taking home the Best Supporting Actor prize, and Coppola and Mario Puzo sharing the Best Adapted Screenplay honor.

Pacino won Best Actor at the BAFTAs and was nominated at the Oscars.

Coppola’s comments come after a huge year of sequel movies in cinemas across the globe.

The second installment of Dune, featuring Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, and Zendaya, hit the big screen in cinemas during March.

It was the sequel to the 2021 film Dune, an epic science fiction set in the distant future.

Inside Out 2 hit cinemas in June, nine years after the original Pixar film premiered. 

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a follow up to Tim Burton’s 1988 comedy horror, came out in September.

In the film, Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara returned to play their characters once more, joined by fresh faces such as Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux.

More recently, Gladiator 2 hit cinemas in October.

24 years following the release of the five-time Academy Award-winning original, the Ridley Scott sequel, featuring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joeseph Quinn, and Denzel Washington, made its debut.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I recently embarked on an enchanting journey with Disney’s Moana 2 – the long-awaited sequel to the cherished animated film. In this captivating continuation, our heroine Moana sets sail to the distant waters of Oceania, unveiling new wonders and adventures.

Looking ahead to next year, and Wicked: Part Two is set for release in November 2025.

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2024-12-05 19:52

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