“Pretty Woman,” a cherished romantic comedy, nearly had a very different outcome. The film, which has become a staple of the genre, almost didn’t happen after its original production company went bankrupt during pre-production.
Buena Vista Pictures, a subsidiary of Disney, acquired the project. Disney’s involvement led to significant changes in the screenplay, softening the film’s original, darker edge.
This adjustment proved to be a crucial move for the film’s success.
Directed by Garry Marshall and featuring Julia Roberts in a breakout role alongside Richard Gere, “Pretty Woman” became a massive hit. It grossed $463 million at the box office, earned Roberts an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, won her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, and turned into a major cultural phenomenon.
Julia Roberts was the first major talent to join the project. However, the film came close to falling apart before filming even began. The original draft, titled “3000,” depicted a much grittier story involving a drug-addicted Vivian Ward, who would only receive payment if she stayed clean for a week. When Vestron Pictures, the original backer, went out of business, Roberts feared she had lost her chance.
“I lost the job when the company folded over the weekend,” Roberts told Variety. “There was no guarantee I’d be able to stay on with the new team.” Fortunately, director Garry Marshall, known for his kindness, decided to meet with her despite the circumstances.
Neither Disney nor Marshall was initially convinced about keeping Roberts in the lead role. In hindsight, it’s hard to imagine the film without her. Other actresses like Karen Allen, Molly Ringwald, Meg Ryan, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daryl Hannah, and Emily Lloyd had previously turned down the role.
Eventually, Marshall was persuaded, and Roberts was cast. Although Richard Gere may not view the film as fondly as its global fans do, Roberts’ determination and the rejection by other stars ultimately led to the film becoming the highest-grossing movie of Gere’s career.
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