Who was The Godfather supposed to be?

In the original concept for "The Godfather," the character of Vito Corleone was initially envisioned for actor Richard Conte. However, director Francis Ford Coppola and producer Albert S. Ruddy eventually cast Marlon Brando, who brought a unique depth and charisma to the role, ultimately defining the character's iconic status in film history. Brando's portrayal contributed significantly to the film's success and its lasting impact on popular culture.