Interesting Facts 🎬 Role Reversal: Initially, Richard Gere turned down the role of Edward Lewis multiple times. It wasn’t until Julia Roberts convinced him during a meeting that he finally accepted the part.
Title Change: The film was originally titled “3000,” referencing the amount of money Vivian (Julia Roberts) was paid for the week. The title was changed to “Pretty Woman” after the Roy Orbison song, which became a defining element of the film. Improvised Scene: One of the most iconic scenes in the movie, where Edward snaps the jewelry box on Vivian’s fingers, making her laugh, was improvised.
The reaction from Julia Roberts was genuine, and director Garry Marshall loved it so much that he decided to keep it in the film. Casting Julia Roberts: Julia Roberts was not the first choice for the role of Vivian Ward. Many actresses, including Molly Ringwald, Meg Ryan, and Daryl Hannah, turned down the part before Roberts was cast. This role ended up being her breakthrough, catapulting her to stardom. Shoe Scene: The scene where Edward places Vivian’s shoe on her foot was Richard Gere’s idea.
It was a spur-of-the-moment addition that became one of the film’s many memorable moments. Real Chemistry: The chemistry between Roberts and Gere was so strong that it played a significant role in the film’s success. Their on-screen connection was palpable, making the romantic storyline more believable and endearing. Richard Gere’s Piano Performance: Richard Gere actually composed and played the piano piece featured in the hotel scene. This added a personal touch to his character’s portrayal and showcased Gere’s musical talent.
Iconic Red Dress: The famous red dress worn by Julia Roberts during the opera scene almost didn’t happen. The dress was initially designed in black, but costume designer Marilyn Vance decided to change it to red at the last minute, creating one of the most iconic fashion moments in film history. Successful Collaboration: “Pretty Woman” marked the beginning of a successful collaboration between Roberts, Gere, and director Garry Marshall. The trio reunited for the 1999 film “Runaway Bride,” which also enjoyed box office success. Box Office Hit: “Pretty Woman” was a massive success, grossing over $463 million worldwide. It became one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time, solidifying Julia Roberts as a leading actress and Richard Gere as a leading man in Hollywood.
