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Al is seen here playing the notorious labor leader in Martin Scorsese's new movie "The Irishman" — just like Jack did for director
Danny DeVito in 1992's "Hoffa." It's the latest competitive twist to a
showbiz feud that goes back to the 1970s, when Al landed the lead role in "The Godfather."
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“Jack was initially offered the part of Michael Corleone," said an insider, "and stupidly turned it down to do ‘The King of Marvin Gardens,’ which flopped...No one, not even Jack, could have predicted how huge ‘The Godfather’ franchise would become and how crucial the role would be."
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"Jack always felt that Al had an easy ride, thanks to [his] decision not to take the part," added the insider. Things then got worse as the feud reignited in the '80s: “Jack later got his ‘Godfather’ revenge, taking the starring role in ‘Prizzi’s Honor’ — a part Al wanted — and getting an Oscar nomination for it!”
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But even old friends like
Warren Beatty and Scorsese were shocked when the star's rivalry went into the 21st century. The never-ending nastiness boiled over in 2015 with Jack’s appearance on the 40th anniversary primetime special of “Saturday Night Live.” An insider revealed: “Jack agreed to be on the prime-time special, but there was a condition that Al would
not be invited!”
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Al now's getting a chance to show up Jack once again — after the "Shining" star's Hoffa biopic flopped at the U.S. box office. The new role once again has pals despairing that two of the '70s biggest talents won't ever work together. Said one pal: "This old grudge looks like it will be going to the grave!”
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