The series “The Offer” looks at the making of “The Godfather” through the eyes of producer Al Ruddy. Miles Teller plays Ruddy, who executive produced the series with Teller.

“We were fortunate enough to have Al remember so much about something that happened, you know, 50 some odd years ago,” Teller said. “Al went to bat, you know, every day for these people that he really believed in. And he, there was some really big obstacles for this movie to get made.”

What You Need To Know

  • Miles Teller and “The Godfather” producer Al Ruddy executive produce the new series “The Offer"

  • “The Offer” shows the production’s many obstacles when making “The Godfather”

  • Giovanni Ribisi plays Mafia boss Joe Colombo

The obstacles included getting studio executives to approve Al Pacino for the pivotal role of Michael Corleone. Ruddy’s right-hand woman through it all was Bettye Mccart, his savvy secretary played by Juno Temple.

“I think she never ceases to surprise you; she never ceased to surprise me playing her. And also to show a woman with such brilliant brains and bravery. And also such a beautiful friendship between her and a boss, who also became a great friend, you know, and also, again, a passion for film for movies. I mean, I think that was something that I really, I wish I had the amount of balls and bravery that buddy did innately. But I definitely have the same passion for filmmaking and movies and the belief and of what movie magic can do,” said Temple. 

When Ruddy and Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola wanted to film in New York City, they had to go through the mafia. Giovanni Ribisi plays Joe Colombo, head of one of the five mafia families.

“I had no idea that Al Ruddy literally went up against the mafia, as one of the several things that he did in getting this thing through the finish line,” Ribisi said. “And because they were adamantly opposed, so much so that they were you know, I mean, there were death threats. He turned it around, and not only got the permission, but got the support and became friends with Joe Colombo.” 

Teller said Ruddy remembered some tense situations meeting with Colombo. 

“Al told me that he was in some really, you know, the hair standing up, and he would get summoned somewhere, and they would take him in a back, you know, kind of underground room this night or whatever. And he said it was, it was really scary,” said Teller. 

In 1973 “The Godfather” won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor in Marlon Brando, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola.

“The Offer” is a 10 episode series playing now on Paramount+.