“Pretty Woman” is a film that feels like a comfortable, beloved fairytale, but its journey to the screen was anything but straightforward. The movie we know and love was almost a completely different story. Originally titled “3,000,” the script was a much darker look at class and life in Los Angeles, focusing on gritty themes. It was only when Disney acquired the project that it was transformed into the glittering romantic comedy that captured the world’s heart, swapping cynicism for Cinderella-like magic and launching Julia Roberts into superstardom.
The casting of the film’s charming lead also nearly went in another direction. It’s almost impossible to imagine anyone but Richard Gere as the sophisticated Edward Lewis, yet the legendary Al Pacino was the first choice. Pacino even did a reading with a then-unknown Julia Roberts and later recalled knowing instantly that she was a phenomenal talent and the film would be a hit. Despite his admiration for Roberts, Pacino passed on the role for reasons he never fully disclosed, leaving the door open for Gere to step in and create an iconic character.
Even after filming began, the magic was often found in unplanned moments. One of the most famous scenes, where Vivian laughs as the jewelry box snaps on her fingers, was actually a prank orchestrated by the director and Gere. Garry Marshall revealed that the joke was intended to wake up a sometimes-sleepy Roberts and was only meant for the gag reel. The actress’s genuine, joyful reaction was so perfect that they decided to keep it in the final cut, turning a spontaneous moment into one of the film’s most memorable and heartwarming trademarks.
For a film with such a polished finish, “Pretty Woman” is surprisingly filled with subtle continuity errors that eagle-eyed fans love to spot. In the famous breakfast scene, Vivian’s croissant mysteriously transforms into a pancake between shots. Edward’s tie, a gift from Vivian, changes its knot style inexplicably. In a more romantic scene, when Edward lies down in the park after having his shoes removed by Vivian, the shoes have magically reappeared on his feet. These little bloopers add a layer of charming imperfection to the otherwise flawless fairytale.
The chemistry between the two leads was undeniable on screen, and it stemmed from a genuine, instant connection off screen. Richard Gere has said that he and Roberts loved each other immediately and spoke constantly during and after the filming. This bond was crucial, as Roberts herself had to passionately convince a hesitant Gere to take the role, even sliding him a note that read, “Please say yes.” His eventual agreement led to a cinematic partnership that felt so real, it convinced audiences around the world that even in the unlikeliest of places, a fairytale could come true.
