**Al Pacino Reflects on "Relief" After Injury During "The Godfather" Filming**

Legendary actor Al Pacino recently opened up about a significant moment during the filming of "The Godfather" that left him feeling an unexpected sense of relief. While shooting the iconic movie, Pacino severely twisted his ankle during a scene where he had to run and jump onto a moving car. This misstep landed him flat on his back in a Bronx gutter, unable to move and surrounded by concerned crew members.

At just 31 years old, Pacino was acutely aware that not everyone on the production team believed he was the right fit for the role of Michael Corleone. The young actor knew the threat of being replaced loomed over him throughout the project. Reflecting on the accident in his memoir "Sonny Boy," Pacino revealed his surprising emotions at that moment. "I was lying there thinking, This is a miracle. Oh God, you're saving me. I don't have to do this picture anymore," he wrote.

Pacino described the palpable relief he felt, knowing that his injury might give the studio an excuse to fire him and find another actor for the part. Despite being convinced that this incident could lead to his exit from the film, the decision-makers chose not to replace him, and Pacino continued in his role.

"The Godfather" director Francis Ford Coppola was one of Pacino's strongest advocates, having been impressed by his performance in "The Panic in Needle Park." Despite the interest from several A-listers including Robert Redford, Warren Beatty, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson, and Ryan O'Neal, Coppola remained steadfast in his decision to cast Pacino. This support from Coppola was crucial for Pacino. "Francis wanted me. He wanted me and I knew that," Pacino stated in his book. "And there's nothing like when a director wants you."

Additionally, Coppola's decision to cast Diane Keaton as Kay Adams proved to be a fortunate choice for Pacino. The two actors quickly forged a strong friendship. "She was easy to talk to and funny, and she thought I was funny too," Pacino recalled, adding that having Keaton as a co-star made the experience more enjoyable.

In the end, not only did Pacino's persistence pay off, but his portrayal of Michael Corleone also became one of the most iconic performances in film history. His journey from apprehension and injury to international acclaim is a testament to resilience and the unexpected twists of fate in the world of cinema.