We really can't imagine "The Godfather: Part II" without Robert De Niro, and neither could the academy when the the actor was awarded an Oscar in 1975 for his role as a young Vito Corleone.

But can you imagine Robert playing eldest son Sonny Corleone instead, the role that propelled actor James Caan into the spotlight? That's originally what the actor was gunning for when he auditioned for the first "Godfather" in the early '70s.

"TODAY" just released footage from Robert's failed audition, and even though he didn't get the role at the time, we're happy he found his place in the series! Take a look at the video below!
