puzo and coppola wanted to have marlon brando play vito corleone. paramount was against this and wanted ernest borgnine. other people considered for the role were george c. scott, richard conte, anthony quinn and orson welles. borgnine and brando were the two finalists. paramount would only cast brando under certain conditions. brando would have to do a screen test, earn less for the film, and was not allowed to cause any problems.