*Pretty Woman* is one of those films you can watch endlessly without it ever losing its charm. But for a movie I’ve seen more times than I can admit, it’s surprising how many behind-the-scenes quirks and bloopers I completely missed. And the backstory? It’s almost as fascinating as the film itself.
For starters, the movie was *never* meant to be a bubbly romantic comedy. The original script, titled *3,000*, was a much darker story about class disparity and corporate greed. But when Disney stepped in, they softened the tone, boosted the budget, and transformed it into the fairytale-style romance that launched Julia Roberts and Richard Gere into Hollywood superstardom.
Casting, too, could have taken a wildly different direction. Believe it or not, Al Pacino came close to playing Edward Lewis. He even did a reading with Roberts before ultimately turning it down. Years later he admitted he knew instantly the film would be a hit—and that the “unknown girl” reading opposite him was electric.
And then there are the iconic bloopers, like the breakfast scene where Roberts’ croissant magically morphs into a pancake between shots. Director Garry Marshall liked her performance in the later takes so much that continuity became collateral damage. The same goes for the shifting tie knots on Gere’s character and the mysteriously rearranging items in Vivian’s hotel room.
Fashion played a huge role in the film’s magic. Costume designer Marilyn Vance created six unforgettable looks for Vivian, including the legendary red opera dress and the charming brown-and-white polka-dot number made from antique Los Angeles silk. Gere’s wardrobe was equally meticulous—though ironically, the tie Vivian “steals” for him was just a $48 grab from a local shop.
Off-camera, Roberts and Gere clicked instantly. Their chemistry wasn’t acting—it was genuine connection. Roberts even personally convinced Gere to take the role, sliding him a handwritten note that said, “Please say yes.”
Thankfully, he did. The result became one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time.
