The movie Pretty Woman is known for its magical story and unforgettable performances, but there are some fascinating behind-the-scenes secrets that even the biggest fans might not know. Everyone remembers the iconic scene where Richard Gere’s character, Edward, faces his fear of heights to rescue Julia Roberts’ character, Vivian.
But did you know that Richard Gere almost didn’t take the role? It was Julia Roberts who convinced him to accept the part, despite his doubts. At one point, actors like Charles Grodin were even considered for the role of Edward!
In 2015, a special reunion of the Pretty Woman cast revealed some of the most interesting and long-kept stories from the making of the film. This romantic comedy, filled with love, laughter, and drama, captured the hearts of audiences when it was released in 1990—and it’s still beloved today. But it wasn’t just the movie that enchanted fans.
A blooper reel, released years after the film, gave viewers a rare chance to see the actors and crew sharing fun and funny moments. The outtakes showed everything from awkward slip-ups to spontaneous laughter, offering a glimpse into the friendship and joy that filled the set.
One of the best bloopers features Julia Roberts trying hard not to laugh during an important scene. As she struggled to keep a straight face, her giggles made both her and Richard Gere burst into laughter. Their chemistry was so real that even in those funny moments, it was clear why Pretty Woman became a classic.
As for the role of Edward, before Richard Gere landed the part, there were other big names in the running, including Christopher Reeve, Denzel Washington, and Daniel Day-Lewis. And for Vivian, actresses like Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, and Sandra Bullock were considered but passed on the role.
The film’s costumes also had their own share of fascinating stories. For example, one of the most iconic pieces, Vivian’s stunning necklace, cost a jaw-dropping $250,000. The jewelry was so valuable that it had to be carefully guarded by security throughout the filming.
In contrast, Vivian’s memorable red coat was purchased for just $30 from a local movie theater usher—an interesting choice given the luxury look it gave the character.
Oddly enough, despite the film’s success, both Ferrari and Porsche turned down the chance to have their cars featured in the movie.
The directors didn’t just work on making the actors look great—they also had some unusual techniques to help the cast get into character. For one scene, the director came up with a funny method to get Julia Roberts to laugh.
He secretly tickled her feet off-camera, causing her to giggle uncontrollably. But Julia was so nervous that a vein appeared on her forehead. To calm her down, the director even lay next to her and Richard Gere, rubbing her face gently until she relaxed enough to continue.
What do you think of these behind-the-scenes stories? They add a whole new layer of fun to the movie, don’t they? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
