James Caan Chain Reaction

Feeling silly today so why not throw out an ATL chain reaction that could have happened very easily.

1972 -- The filming of the movie The Godfather is up and down. The studio hated Al Pacino in the role of Michael and on many occassions almost forced Coppola to drop him. In one case they asked James Caan to read for the part of Michael. In this TL they force Coppola's hand and Al Pacino is dumped. James Caan receives the role of Michael, Robert DeNiro plays Sonny.

The Godfather was, in OTL, Pacino's big break. Without it, and with the word spreading around Hollywood that he was dumped from the picture, Pacino's career stagnates.

1983 -- Writer Oliver Stone is flying high off of his success in cowriting Conan The Barbarian. He is given the opportunity of a lifetime. The chance to write the script of a remake of the Paul Muni classic "Scarface". Stone works tirelessly and creates a much loved screenplay. But the casting of the Tony Montana part is off. Steven Bauer is cast to play the role, and although he is good at delivering the comedic moments he just isn't a leading man. Scarface flops.

With the flopping of a big budget picture like Scarface, no one is willing to take a risk on Oliver Stone again. 3 years later when he is looking for a buyer for his script for Platoon he finds no takers.

Without Platoon ever being created the plight of many Vietnam Vets continues to be misunderstood.
 
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