Before transforming into the beloved romantic comedy, Pretty Woman was initially conceived as a gritty drama titled 3,000. Disney’s intervention reshaped the story into a romantic fairy tale, softening its darker themes. Casting was equally dramatic; Al Pacino declined the lead role, and it was Julia Roberts’ determination that persuaded Richard Gere to accept it. These shifts defined the film’s iconic status.
On set, unplanned moments became legendary. A croissant inexplicably turned into a pancake, and props mysteriously vanished between scenes. Roberts’ red dress became a symbol of empowerment, and a playful prank during the necklace scene captured genuine surprise, forever etched in the film’s legacy. The chemistry between Gere and Roberts turned a film of mistakes and rewrites into a timeless classic.
