“Pretty Woman,” the beloved romantic comedy starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, is a film that has captivated audiences for decades. But behind the scenes, there are a few surprising facts about the film’s creation.
A Different Ending:
The original script, titled “3,000,” had a much darker ending. Actress Diane Lane, who auditioned for the role of Vivian, shared that the original story depicted Vivian being cast aside after a weekend with Edward. The film would have been a far cry from the happy ending we know and love.
Unlikely Stars:
The producers initially considered Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer for the lead roles. Disney studio chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg said that the film may have been closer to the original dark script if they had cast Pacino and Pfeiffer. But the undeniable chemistry between Roberts and Gere ultimately led to the heartwarming ending.
A Challenging Role:
Richard Gere admitted that playing Edward, a lighthearted and charming character, was a challenge for him. “I never thought that I would be able to do a film like that,” Gere told The Hollywood Reporter. “I didn’t think I had the skill set for that. I’m a pretty intense guy. It wasn’t particularly easy for me to be that lighthearted, basically.”
The Bathtub Scene:
Julia Roberts’ iconic bathtub scene came with a surprising mishap.
The strong detergent used to create the bubbles stripped away Roberts’ red hair dye, leaving her blonde. “We had emergency hair color at 10 o’clock at night because of the bathtub,” Roberts said.
A Lucky Break:
The original “Pretty Woman” script was shelved before Disney picked it up and gave it a new life. Roberts revealed that she was devastated when the original production company folded, but was thrilled when Disney stepped in.
These behind-the-scenes details give a glimpse into the journey of “Pretty Woman,” from its darker beginnings to its eventual success as a beloved romantic comedy.
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