Why Francis Ford Coppola Agreed To Produce The Godfather: Part II
The Godfather was an offer Coppola couldn’t refuse due to his financial situation, but there have been conflicting accounts of the filmmaker’s feelings on making The Godfather Part 2. While The New York Times reports that Coppola had to be convinced by Paramount to make more Godfather films, Coppola has also spoken excitedly about making a Corleone prequel-sequel film that parallels the rise of Vito and the downfall of Michael. At first, Coppola didn’t want to direct the next installment, but Paramount insisted. Figuring he might as well grow his creative control, a more financially secure Coppola also agreed to produce The Godfather Part 2.