More than three decades after the world first fell in love with Pretty Woman, the prospect of a sequel is moving from rumor to reality. For years, fans have speculated about what might become of Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis, the star-crossed couple whose unlikely romance turned the 1989 film into a global phenomenon. Now, with credible reports of discussions between original stars Julia Roberts and Richard Gere and Disney executives, hopes for Pretty Woman 2 are higher than ever.
Rumors of a follow-up have swirled for months, fueled in part by a flurry of fake posters on Netflix that misled fans into believing a new film was already underway. But as The Mirror and other outlets have confirmed, those posters were pure fiction. The real story is more tantalizing: genuine talks have begun behind closed doors, and the wheels of Hollywood are—slowly but surely—starting to turn.
According to multiple production sources cited by The Mirror, the conversations are serious. Both Julia Roberts, now 58, and Richard Gere, 76, are reportedly open to returning to their iconic roles, provided the script meets their standards. As one insider put it, “barring any unforeseen problems, both Richard and Julia are on board.” That’s music to the ears of fans, many of whom have spent years clamoring for a reunion.
Richard Gere added fuel to the fire in an April 2025 interview with People magazine, making his position clear: “It all comes down to whether or not there’s a good script.” He emphasized that the project’s success would depend on the quality of the story, not just nostalgia. Julia Roberts, too, has expressed a mixture of excitement and caution, previously questioning whether Pretty Woman could resonate with audiences in today’s world. Still, the enduring popularity of the original film seems to have rekindled her interest.
While no official plot details have been released, Roberts offered a glimpse into her vision for Vivian’s future during a 2023 interview. She speculated that Edward Lewis might have “passed away peacefully in his sleep from a heart attack, smiling,” leaving Vivian to manage his business. Such a storyline would mark a significant evolution for Vivian, transforming her from the streetwise companion of the original into a successful, independent businesswoman—a modern twist that could appeal to contemporary audiences.
Alternatively, if Gere returns as Edward, writers might choose to explore the couple’s life together after the events of the first film. The creative team appears to be weighing both options, with an early script reportedly in development as of December 30, 2025. No contracts have been signed yet, and the screenplay is still in its preliminary stages, but the momentum is unmistakable.
The original Pretty Woman remains one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time. Released in 1989, the film starred a then-22-year-old Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, a sex worker hired by Richard Gere’s billionaire businessman, Edward Lewis, to accompany him to high-profile events. Despite the 18-year age gap between the leads, their on-screen chemistry was electric, propelling the film to box-office glory and cementing its place in cinematic history.
What made Pretty Woman so enduring? Perhaps it was the way the film blended fairy-tale romance with real-world grit, or maybe it was the sheer charisma of its leads. Whatever the reason, the movie struck a chord, grossing hundreds of millions worldwide and earning Roberts an Academy Award nomination. Even now, decades later, the film continues to attract new fans. According to recent reports, Pretty Woman is available for streaming on Disney Plus in Australia, allowing viewers to revisit the magic—or discover it for the first time.
The idea of a sequel has always been fraught with challenges. Roberts herself has voiced skepticism about whether the story could be retold in a way that feels authentic and relevant. “Could Pretty Woman be made in today’s world?” she mused in a past interview. The answer, it seems, may depend on how the next chapter is crafted. By focusing on Vivian’s growth and independence, the sequel could offer a fresh perspective, steering clear of simply rehashing the original romance.
Industry insiders stress that nothing is set in stone. As of late December 2025, no official release date has been announced, and the project remains in its infancy. But the fact that Roberts and Gere are both willing to return—if the script is right—speaks volumes about the potential for Pretty Woman 2 to capture hearts once again.
For Disney, the stakes are high. Reviving a classic is always a gamble, especially one as beloved as Pretty Woman. The studio must balance fan expectations with the need to update the story for a new generation. The original film’s blend of romance, humor, and social commentary set a high bar, and any sequel will need to tread carefully to avoid disappointing longtime devotees.
In the meantime, fans have plenty to keep them occupied. The original film’s availability on streaming platforms ensures that Vivian and Edward’s story remains accessible, while the ongoing speculation keeps anticipation at a fever pitch. Social media is abuzz with theories about possible plotlines, casting decisions, and release dates, with many expressing hope that the sequel will do justice to the legacy of the original.
As the industry waits for more concrete news, one thing is clear: the appetite for more Pretty Woman is as strong as ever. The film’s enduring charm, coupled with the willingness of its stars to revisit their roles, suggests that a sequel is more than just wishful thinking. With a script in development and talks progressing, the dream of seeing Vivian and Edward back on screen may soon become a reality.
For now, though, patience is the order of the day. Hollywood moves at its own pace, and with so many moving parts—scripts, contracts, schedules—there are no guarantees. But as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. And for fans of Pretty Woman, the wait just might be worth it.
