Originally they needed all those names to get financing for this movie. Now they have the financing.
He might not have liked the screen play for his character in this movie.
He is not one of the two main stars of this movie. He is a supporting actor for that matter so is Kietel.
They only got half the money they wanted/needed. I don't know that this played a role in Pesci stepping away at all, and I like your theory that he may've just been attached in name only to easier "sell" the film and reach a financing deal. Regardless, he was to play Bufalino which seems like it would've been a main role with the dynamic between Bufalino and Sherran in the book. With Pacino playing Hoffa I'm curious who may be cast as Angelo Bruno, Joey Glimco, and if they do the Gallo murder scene
