Francis Ford Coppola's first two Godfather movies are among the most celebrated films of all time, but the same can't be said for the third part in the gangster saga. The Godfather Part III was released in 1990, 16 years after the hugely successful second part, and was met with very mixed reviews. Coppola has now returned to the film and prepared a new version, which hits theaters and home entertainment formats next month. The first trailer has now been released.

　　The film is now titled The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone. The movie has been reedited, with the picture and sound restored, and according to a press release "achieves Coppola and screenwriter Mario Puzo's original vision for the finale." The trailer doesn't look very different from what was released in 1990, but it will be fascinating to see if this new version will lead the movie to be critically reappraised. Check it out below.

　　The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone stars Al Pacino as Michael, who is now in his 60s and is attempting to turn his crime organisation into a legitimate business. The cast also includes Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy Garcia, Sofia Coppola, Joe Mantegna, and Bridget Fonda. In addition to the trailer, you can watch this video message from Coppola, in which he explains why he has reworked the movie.

　　Coppola's daughter Sofia was cast as Mary Corleone at very short notice when Winona Ryder dropped out and was much criticized for her performance at the time. It's unknown whether her role has been changed or reduced in this new version, but it's notable that she barely appears in the new trailer. Of course, Sofia is now one of the most acclaimed film directors working today, having made movies such as Lost in Translation, The Virgin Suicides, The Bling Ring, and the recent Apple TV+ release On the Rocks.

　　The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone hits theaters for a limited release on December 4 and arrives on blu-ray and digital on December 8.