Retitled The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone, the third edition of The Godfather trilogy will be re-released to select theaters this December, Paramount Pictures announced in a press release Thursday.
The new edit of the previous Godfather: Part 3 movie will depict more of how director Francis Ford Coppola and screenwriter Mario Puzo imagined it to be from the get-go. But what was wrong with the original version? Why is a new edit just now being released after a 30 year hiatus? Here are some interesting facts on what happened back in 1990 when Godfather: Part 3 came to theaters and how Coppola has transformed the story.
Godfather Part 3: A Long Awaited Bust
The third installment of The Godfather was highly anticipated by fans of the franchise and movie-goers. The film was released on Christmas Day in 1990, and unfortunately wasn't up to par with the original and its sequel. However, it still managed to receive seven nominations at the 63rd Academy Awards®, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Paramount Almost Found New Director for Third Installment
According to Vanity Fair, Coppola mentioned in an interview from the Berlin Film Festival in 1990 that Paramount was considering going with a new director for The Godfather: Part 3, causing turmoil from the start of production. Coppola said,
"It's like when you have an ex-girlfriend, you hear about her and you say, I don't care. But you do care. I wish they would just leave it alone and let it be finished and not have to get me jealous or possessive over it."
What Will Be Different In New Release?
I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse. #BestMovieLineEver #TheGodfather https://t.co/TtcYW7it5x— The Godfather (@The Godfather) 1565293273
Coppola said in a press release that the new film will have "a new beginning and ending," along with different versions of scenes, shots, and music cues.
"With these changes and the restored footage and sound, to me, it is a more appropriate conclusion to 'The Godfather' and 'The Godfather: Part II' and I'm thankful to Jim Gianopulos and Paramount for allowing me to revisit it." - Francis Ford Coppola
The movie still stars Diane Keaton, Andy Garcia, and Talia Shire.
Although the new Godfather saga will only be released in select theaters this December, Paramount will be fully releasing it afterwards on digital platforms.
