Pacino initially found the script for 'The Godfather Part II' to be subpar and was hesitant to commit. It was only after Francis Ford Coppola rewrote the script that Pacino agreed to take on the role.
Ronan physically immersed herself in the role by learning to assist in lambing and swimming in freezing waters, which were integral parts of her character's journey to sobriety.
McQueen was inspired by a photograph of a young black boy on a train station platform during World War II, which led him to explore the stories of children left behind in London during the Blitz.
Growing up in New York exposed Ronan to various accents from a young age, making her more adaptable and skilled at mimicking different dialects throughout her career.
Pacino had a realization at age 52 while shaving, understanding that his mother's decisions and presence in his life were crucial to his survival and success.
Pacino struggled with his personal life and substance use during the filming, finding it difficult to maintain the emotional and psychological state required for his role as Michael Corleone.
Ronan's character, Rona, tried various methods to get sober, including rehab, moving back to her family's farm, and eventually isolating herself on a remote island to focus on nature conservation.
Ronan's most intense experience was assisting in lambing, where she had to pull lambs out of ewes, an experience she found both challenging and humbling.
Pacino grew up in a tough environment in the South Bronx, where he was surrounded by friends who didn't survive due to drug-related deaths, and he often found himself in dangerous situations, such as rooftop antics and being chased by locals.
Ronan's father, who started as a construction worker and later became an actor, found more opportunities in the growing Irish film industry, which influenced the family's decision to return to Ireland for better support and a more stable life.
Oscar-winning actor Al Pacino talks with Terry Gross about growing up in the South Bronx with a single mother and The Godfather, and why he almost passed on Part II. His new memoir is Sonny Boy.Also, we hear from Saoirse Ronan. She stars in two new films: The Outrun, about a young woman struggling to get sober, and the World War II drama, Blitz. She spoke with contributor Ann Marie Baldonado about the roles, as well as the most intense on set experience she's ever had — birthing lambs.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)