Thirty-five years after it hit theaters, Garry Marshall’s romantic comedy remains one of those rare movies loved across multiple generations.
Now 57, Julia Roberts was just 22 when she played the escort Vivian Ward. Meanwhile, Richard Gere—now 71—was 40 when he portrayed billionaire Edward Lewis.
They weren’t the only actors considered for those iconic parts. Several other well-known names were in the mix.
Screenwriter Jonathan Loughran originally imagined the film, then titled “$3000,” as a social drama about the tragic fate of a sex worker. In that original ending, the protagonist was meant to push the drug-addicted Vivian out of his car and toss her $3,000.
When that darker script landed at Disney, the studio opted to reshape it into a romantic comedy. Director Garry Marshall rewrote the screenplay, and in his version Roberts’ character was no longer a drug addict.
Here are a few lesser-known facts about “Pretty Woman,” compiled by the Daily Mail to mark the film’s anniversary.
Julia could have been replaced by another actress
Roberts, who was relatively unknown at the time, wasn’t the first choice for Vivian. Drew Barrymore and Winona Ryder were invited to audition, but producers thought they looked too young for the part. Meg Ryan, who was already well-known, was also offered a role but declined.
In the end, the role went to Julia, and the film turned her into an international star.
Gere wasn’t the initial choice for the lead role either
For Edward, producers considered not only Richard Gere but also Sean Connery, Al Pacino, and Burt Reynolds. Al Pacino reportedly turned down the part after auditioning with Julia because he felt it wasn’t right for him.
When asked before his death in 2018 why he passed on Edward, Burt Reynolds replied, “Because I’m an idiot.”
Gere actually turned down the film twice. Producers thought he best embodied the kind of hero from 1940s Hollywood they wanted for Edward Lewis. The role ultimately became a landmark in Gere’s career.
Demi Moore declined to play Vivian’s best friend
According to Heat magazine, the 62-year-old actress Demi Moore once turned down the role of Kit, Vivian’s best friend.
Other actresses considered for Kit included Laura Dern, Marisa Tomei, Annabella Sciorra, Lorraine Bracco, and Mary Steenburgen. The part eventually went to Laura San Giacomo.
Roberts insisted she wouldn’t do nude scenes
When Julia Roberts first met with Garry Marshall to discuss the role, she made one condition clear: she would not do nude scenes. “I’m not getting naked,” she told him.
Gere really played the piano
Richard Gere is more than an actor—he’s a musician. In the hotel bar scene, he performed a piano piece he wrote himself.
He also plays guitar and trumpet.
The famous snail scene reappeared in The Princess Diaries
Everyone remembers the upscale restaurant scene where Vivian tosses a snail and the waiter catches it. On set, the director was the one who threw the snail.
Garry Marshall reused that joke in his 2001 film The Princess Diaries. In both movies, the waiter has the same job: catch the snail.
The main character’s necklace cost a fortune
The lavish necklace worn by Roberts’ character was valued at $250,000. During filming, a security guard kept a close eye on the jewelry, standing behind the director.
