It’s been 35 years since the iconic romantic comedy Pretty Woman first captivated audiences, but behind its enchantment lies a different vision that almost came to fruition. The film, released on March 23, 1990, starred Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, following the charming love story between a wealthy businessman and a prostitute. However, decisions made during the film's development could have led to an entirely different narrative.
J.F. Lawton, the screenwriter, revealed in a 2015 interview with Vanity Fair that the original script had a significantly grittier tone than the final iteration. Titled $3,000, this earlier work was considered serious art and was even featured at Sundance, presenting a raw take on themes of sexuality and survival in modern urban settings. "It gave Hollywood permission to do it," Lawton explained, praising director Garry Marshall's instincts for opting for a fairy-tale transformation of this darker narrative, saying, "This is what people want to see — they want to see the fairy tale."
The final film dramatically re-envisioned the characters and their journeys. Instead of a somber conclusion, the audience was treated to an uplifting romance punctuated by an iconic love story. As Lawton noted, "But the chemistry between Julia and Gere, it is palpable on the screen, it was palpable in auditions. You can’t really see how it could end any other way, because they just light up with each other.”
However, Roberts and Gere were not the only actors considered for their roles; multiple names floated within Hollywood circles. Initially, both Michelle Pfeiffer and Al Pacino were pictured in the lead roles, and while they auditioned, ultimately, it was the on-screen spark between Roberts and Gere that solidified their casting. In retrospect, Lawton remarked on how different the film might have been had either Pfeiffer or Pacino taken on the iconic roles. “It might have been closer to the original script and maybe not have had a happy ending,” he said.
The team behind Pretty Woman made other significant casting decisions that influenced the movie's final presentation. Among actresses considered for Vivian were Diane Lane, who turned down the role due to scheduling conflicts, and Meg Ryan, who was the studio and Marshall’s early top choice. “Every actress in town wanted the role of Vivian,” Lane recalled during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live. “But I had to pass on the role due to conflicting schedules,” highlighting the immense interest in the film's leading role.
Moreover, before the film's release, Roberts faced her own challenges. Having to audition twice, she landed the role initially when the project was still under its original name. When Disney stepped in, they required her to read again. Roberts even took initiative in persuading Gere to join the project, famously writing a note that read, ‘Please say yes’ on a Post-it note, which he later shared with Marshall, deciding to come on board.
Filming brought its own unique hurdles, particularly for Roberts, who had never performed in a sex scene before. “I had never done this kind of stuff before, and I was really nervous,” she later explained. Those nerves manifested physically as she broke out in hives during the steamy scenes. Additionally, the iconic movie poster wasn’t even featuring Roberts’ actual body—her head was superimposed onto a body double, Shelley Michelle, for that famous artwork.
As the film moved towards production, scenes took shape that would ultimately contribute to its status as a classic. For instance, the opera scene where Edward and Vivian attend La Traviata held a poignant narrative parallel, as it tells the story of a man in love with a prostitute. A final, iconic touch was contributed to the film during a hilarious moment in which Gere snapped a necklace box shut. That moment wasn’t originally scripted; rather, it was a playful gag by Marshall to elicit a genuine reaction from Roberts. The shot became one of the film's most memorable moments, which underscores the spontaneity that actors and directors enjoy on set.
Upon release, Pretty Woman endeared itself to audiences worldwide, grossing over $460 million against its modest $17 million budget. The film earned numerous accolades, including four Golden Globe nominations. It turned Roberts into a household name and secured her prominent status in Hollywood, which was quite a leap from her earlier roles in films like Mystic Pizza and Steel Magnolias.
In reflecting on Pretty Woman three and a half decades later, its legacy remains undeniably significant. Even though director Garry Marshall passed away in 2016, the film persists as a timeless romantic comedy, still beloved by audiences. Moreover, it set the stage for future films to approach stories about love, marginalized lives, and redemption with a more playful lens. Today, it stands as Disney's highest-grossing R-rated release, underscoring its lasting impact on cinema and pop culture.
As the film continues celebrating its anniversary, revisiting Pretty Woman reminds audiences why it remains an integral part of holiday film marathons and viewing parties for aspiring romantics everywhere.
