Pretty Woman has remained a standout romantic comedy since its release on March 23, 1990, according to E! News. The film, directed by Garry Marshall and starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, turned Roberts into a household name and became one of the year’s biggest box office hits.
Though the movie made more than $460 million worldwide on a $17 million budget, E! News notes that the project began as a much darker story. The original script, titled $3,000, was grittier and did not end with Vivian and Edward together.
The casting process was also packed with near misses. E! News reports that several actors were considered for Edward, while actresses including Daryl Hannah, Winona Ryder, Jennifer Connelly, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Mary Steenburgen and Meg Ryan were among those who read for Vivian. Diane Lane and Molly Ringwald also passed on the role.
Other details from the film’s production include Roberts needing to audition twice, the famous movie poster using her head on another model’s body, and the bubble bath scene stripping the dye from her hair. E! News also reports that Gere was persuaded to join the film after Roberts helped convince him.
Even decades later, the movie’s legacy continues, with E! News pointing to the chemistry between Roberts and Gere as a major reason the film still resonates with audiences.
