“Pretty Woman” is one of those classic films that never gets old. No matter how many times you watch it, the charm of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere keeps pulling you back in. But did you know that the movie we love today wasn’t the original vision? And have you ever spotted some of the biggest bloopers hidden in plain sight?
If you thought you knew everything about Pretty Woman, think again. Let’s dive into some surprising behind-the-scenes facts and the hilarious mistakes that made it into the final cut.
The Original Story Was Much Darker
It’s hard to imagine, but Pretty Woman was never intended to be the feel-good romantic comedy we know today. The original script, titled “3,000”, was a gritty drama written by screenwriter J.F. Lawton. The story explored dark themes like poverty, class struggles, and addiction, painting a much bleaker picture of Vivian’s life as a struggling sex worker.
Then Disney stepped in. The studio rewrote the script to remove the harsh realities and instead focused on a Cinderella-style love story. They also pumped up the budget, transforming the movie into the glamorous and lighthearted rom-com that became a global sensation.
Video: Pretty Woman (1990) | Movie Mistakes
Al Pacino Almost Played Edward
Can you picture anyone other than Richard Gere as Edward Lewis? It almost happened. The legendary Al Pacino was actually the first choice for the role. He even read lines with Julia Roberts during a casting session!
However, despite liking the script, Pacino turned down the role. He never explained why, but in later years, he expressed admiration for Julia Roberts and the film’s success.
Richard Gere, on the other hand, initially wasn’t interested either. It took Julia Roberts personally convincing him—by slipping him a note that read “Please say yes”—to seal the deal.
The Croissant That Magically Turns Into a Pancake
One of the funniest bloopers in Pretty Woman happens during breakfast. In one scene, Vivian (Julia Roberts) is eating a croissant while chatting with Edward.
But in the very next shot, as the conversation continues, the croissant suddenly transforms into a pancake!
Why the change? Director Garry Marshall revealed that he liked Julia’s performance in later takes, where she happened to be eating a pancake instead of a croissant. They decided to use that footage, but it created a major continuity error that’s now one of the most famous bloopers in movie history.
The Truth Behind the Iconic Red Dress
The jaw-dropping red dress Vivian wears to the opera isn’t just a fashion statement—it symbolizes her transformation. But did you know that the dress almost wasn’t red at all?
Initially, costume designer Marilyn Vance had planned for Vivian to wear a black dress. However, the studio executives insisted on red for a more dramatic and romantic effect. After multiple design changes, the final red gown was created, becoming one of the most unforgettable dresses in movie history.
And here’s another fun fact—Vivian’s famous brown polka-dot dress worn at the polo match? The fabric was vintage silk that Vance found in a tiny fabric shop in Los Angeles. Talk about a lucky find!
Richard Gere’s Mysterious Tie Change
Video: 5 Things You Never Knew About ‘Pretty Woman’ | ELLE
If you pay close attention, Edward’s tie seems to have a mind of its own.
In one scene, Edward is wearing a half-Windsor knot. Moments later, without any explanation, it suddenly changes to a full-Windsor knot.
What happened? Most likely, the scene was filmed on different days, and the costume team forgot to match the tie’s original style.
The Shopping Spree That Cost a Fortune
One of the most iconic scenes in Pretty Woman is Vivian’s luxurious shopping spree on Rodeo Drive. But did you ever wonder how much Edward actually spent?
According to the film’s costume designer, Edward’s shopping trip cost him a whopping $30,000! That’s enough to buy a brand-new luxury car back in 1990.
The Ruby Necklace Was Worth $250,000
The stunning ruby-and-diamond necklace Edward gifts Vivian in the movie was not a prop—it was 100% real!
Valued at $250,000, the necklace was so valuable that the jewelry store sent an armed security guard to be on set whenever it was used.
And remember the scene where Richard Gere playfully snaps the jewelry box shut on Julia Roberts’ fingers? That was not in the script. It was actually a practical joke planned by the director to get a genuine reaction out of Julia. Her adorable laugh was completely real, and it was so perfect that they kept it in the final cut.
Edward’s Disappearing Shoes
If you look closely, there’s a magical shoe trick in Pretty Woman.
After Edward and Vivian attend the opera, they go to the park. Vivian takes off Edward’s shoes while they lie on the grass. But just seconds later, his shoes magically reappear on his feet—without him ever putting them back on.
Either Edward is a magician, or this is another continuity error!
The Case of the Vanishing Money
During one scene, Edward hands Vivian $100, which she immediately tucks into her boot for safekeeping.
Later, after the champagne arrives, Vivian removes her boots—but the money is nowhere to be seen.
Where did it go? Did she hide it somewhere else? Or did the cash disappear into thin air? We may never know!
Richard Gere Didn’t Love His Character
Despite the massive success of Pretty Woman, Richard Gere wasn’t a big fan of his role.
At a film festival, he once admitted that he thought Edward Lewis was “underwritten”, saying, “He’s just a suit and a good haircut.”
One scene he particularly disliked was the piano scene, where Edward plays while Vivian watches. But ironically, that moment became one of the most romantic and memorable parts of the film.
Julia Roberts Convinced Richard Gere to Take the Role
Although Al Pacino came close to playing Edward, Julia Roberts had her heart set on Richard Gere. She personally begged him to take the part.
According to Gere, during a meeting with the director, Julia wrote a note on a piece of paper, turned it around, and slid it across the table. The note read: “Please say yes.”
That little gesture was all it took—Gere accepted the role, and the rest is history.
Final Thoughts
Pretty Woman may be a fairy-tale romance, but it’s full of behind-the-scenes secrets, bloopers, and fascinating facts.
From hidden wardrobe mistakes to a completely rewritten story, the film’s journey to becoming one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time is just as entertaining as the movie itself.
So, the next time you watch Pretty Woman, keep an eye out for these hilarious bloopers—you might never see the movie the same way again!
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