Al Pacino was RELIEVED after breaking his ankle on the set of The Godfather for fear of being fired

Al Pacino was so worried about the possibility of being fired from The Godfather that he secretly hoped his on-set injury would give him an opportunity to leave the film.

Although Pacino, 84, ultimately received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Michael Corleone in the 1972 classic, he opened up about studio executives’ doubts about his suitability for the role in an excerpt from his upcoming memoir “Sonny Boy.”

“A rumor spread on set that I was going to be fired from the film,” he wrote in an excerpt from the Guardian. “When I was working, there was unease among people, even among the crew. I was very aware of that.’

However, after breaking his ankle while filming a scene in which he attempted to jump into a moving car, Pacino felt a wave of relief at the prospect of being fired from the project.

“Thank God, I’m going to get out of this movie,” he told Ben Mankiewicz during a rare interview on CBS Sunday Morning.

Although Pacino, 84, eventually received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Michael Corleone in the 1972 classic, he reflected on studio executives’ doubts about his suitability for the role in an excerpt from his upcoming memoir “Sonny Boy.” (Pacino, Marlon Brando, James Caan, John Cazale on the set of “The Godfather”)

He reiterated that sentiment in a preview clip for Monday’s episode of the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast.

“My ankle was hurt, somehow it slipped,” he told host Conan. “So I just looked up at the sky and said, ‘Thank you, God.'”

“That was my thought.” I actually said, “Thank you, God. You’re going to get me out of this movie.’ That’s how badly I wanted to leave. I said, “That’s from heaven.”‘

Despite the doubts, Pacino stuck with the cast and The Godfather’s influence on cinema is undeniable.

Often hailed as one of the greatest films of all time, it achieved notable box office success and critical acclaim.

The film received ten Academy Award nominations and won three prestigious Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor for Marlon Brando and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Pacino is currently preparing for his next role as King Lear in a Shakespeare production after recently appearing in royal attire in Los Angeles.

In addition to his theater activities, he celebrated his ex-girlfriend Noor Alfallah’s 30th birthday with a glamorous get-together.

An Instagram video from the event shows the former couple, who welcomed their son Roman in 2023, sharing a tender moment as the Oscar-winning actor helped Noor blow out the candles on her birthday cake.

In addition to Roman, Pacino has a 35-year-old daughter, Julie, from his relationship with acting coach Jan Tarrant.

However, after breaking his ankle trying to jump over a car in the film, Pacino felt a wave of relief at the prospect of being fired from the project

“A rumor spread on set that I was going to be fired from the film,” he wrote in “Sonny Boy.”

He also has fraternal twins Anton and Olivia, 23, with Emmy nominee Beverly D’Angelo.

Although he never tied the knot, Pacino’s romantic history includes high-profile relationships with several actresses, including Diane Keaton, Jill Clayburgh, Penelope Ann Miller and Kathleen Quinlan.

On Tuesday, Penguin Press will publish “Sonny Boy,” Pacino’s first memoir, which he will narrate for both e-book and audiobook versions – a feat that could lead to a Grammy Award.

The legendary actor is just one Grammy away from achieving EGOT status, having already won two Tony Awards, an Oscar and two Emmys over the course of his illustrious career from 1969 to 2004.