Al Pacino is known for delivering unforgettable performances, but he nearly said no to one of his most famous roles. The actor revealed in an interview with The Guardian that he was hesitant to star in the 1975 crime drama Dog Day Afternoon. Dog Day Afternoon, directed by Sidney Lumet, tells the story of a 1972 bank robbery and hostage situation in Brooklyn led by John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile. Upon its release on September 21, 1975, Dog Day Afternoon became a hit both critically and commercially. Dog Day Afternoon would not have had the same impact without him.