“Pretty Woman,” the 1990 classic romantic comedy, remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic films. It’s a modern Cinderella story, pairing Julia Roberts as the vivacious Vivian with Richard Gere as the charming and wealthy Edward. But beyond the romance and memorable scenes, “Pretty Woman” has its fair share of hidden bloopers and behind-the-scenes secrets that fans may have missed. Let’s dive into some of the film’s most interesting moments, including a classic blooper that no one seemed to notice until recently.
1. The Breakfast Switch: Croissant to Pancake
One of the most famous bloopers in “Pretty Woman” occurs during the breakfast scene, where Vivian is sitting at the table with Edward. In one shot, she’s holding a croissant, tearing pieces off as they talk. In the very next shot, however, the croissant magically transforms into a pancake! While this may seem like a small detail, it’s a continuity error that’s surprisingly easy to miss given how captivating Julia Roberts is in the scene. Many fans of the film only noticed this blooper years after multiple viewings, making it a fun Easter egg for viewers who love catching little details in their favorite movies.
This blooper is more than just an amusing oversight; it represents the film industry’s challenges in maintaining continuity across takes. Movies are often filmed out of sequence, with actors having to repeat scenes multiple times to capture different angles or facial expressions. It’s common for items like food to change between takes without anyone noticing, and in this case, the croissant-turned-pancake has become one of the film’s endearing quirks.
2. The Original Darker Plotline
What many fans might not know is that “Pretty Woman” was initially conceived as a much darker story. The original script, titled “$3,000” (reflecting the amount Edward agrees to pay Vivian for her time), was a gritty drama that explored the harsh realities of life on the streets. In the original version, Vivian was a much more tragic character, and the ending didn’t have the fairy-tale feel of the final version. Instead, it was meant to show the challenges and struggles that come with a life in difficult circumstances.
However, when Disney acquired the script, they decided to transform it into a lighthearted romance. This change completely altered the tone, resulting in the romantic comedy we know and love. This decision wasn’t just about making the movie more palatable for audiences—it also cemented the film’s place as one of the most beloved romantic comedies in Hollywood history. Disney’s reimagining of the plot gave “Pretty Woman” its charm and heart, creating a story that balances romance with humor and ultimately leaves viewers feeling hopeful.
3. Al Pacino Was Almost Edward
Richard Gere’s portrayal of Edward is now considered iconic, but believe it or not, Al Pacino was initially approached for the role. The casting of Edward was a major consideration for the filmmakers, as the character needed to exude both sophistication and vulnerability. Pacino, known for his intense and brooding roles, was a surprising choice but ultimately didn’t end up with the part.
Pacino reportedly even did a screen test with Julia Roberts, but the chemistry didn’t quite fit the romantic and lighthearted tone Disney was aiming for. Gere eventually won the role, bringing a sense of quiet elegance to the character and creating unforgettable on-screen chemistry with Roberts. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role today, but thinking about Pacino as Edward adds an interesting “what if” to the film’s history.
4. The Iconic Red Dress and Vivian’s Transformation
Another unforgettable element in “Pretty Woman” is Vivian’s transformation. Her red dress from the opera scene has become one of the most iconic costumes in film history, symbolizing her shift from street-smart survivor to sophisticated woman. This dress was carefully chosen to reflect Vivian’s journey, making her look like she truly belonged in Edward’s world.
Interestingly, the red dress wasn’t the original choice. Early discussions leaned toward a black dress, but costume designer Marilyn Vance convinced the filmmakers that red would be more striking. The choice paid off, as the dress became an iconic symbol of the film and has been recreated countless times. Vance’s decision not only shaped Vivian’s character arc but also contributed to the film’s visual legacy, showing how costuming can play a vital role in storytelling.
5. The Real Ruby Necklace and Its Guarded Secret
The stunning ruby necklace that Edward gives Vivian for their opera night was no costume piece—it was a real and incredibly valuable necklace, valued at approximately $250,000. Due to the necklace’s value, an armed security guard was present on set to protect it. The filmmakers went to great lengths to ensure the piece was secure, adding an extra layer of luxury and authenticity to the scene.
The necklace scene also contains one of the film’s most memorable moments, where Edward playfully snaps the jewelry box closed on Vivian’s fingers, catching her by surprise. Julia Roberts’s laugh in that scene was genuine, as the move was improvised by Gere to get a natural reaction. This candid moment became one of the film’s signature scenes, showing the genuine chemistry between Gere and Roberts and creating a timeless cinematic moment.
6. The Unlikely Legacy of “Pretty Woman”
Despite its unconventional beginnings, “Pretty Woman” has left a lasting impact on popular culture. The movie wasn’t just a box office success; it became a defining film for romantic comedies in the ‘90s and cemented Julia Roberts’s status as a Hollywood star. The movie’s soundtrack, including the song “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison, became iconic in its own right, forever linking the song to the film.
The cultural impact of “Pretty Woman” is such that, even decades later, fans continue to watch and rewatch it, discovering little details and quirks like the breakfast blooper. These small errors and behind-the-scenes stories only add to the film’s charm, making it feel like an authentic and beloved classic.
A Timeless Story with Modern Relevance
“Pretty Woman” remains relevant today, not only as a fairy-tale romance but also as a film that subtly critiques societal norms and the nature of relationships. While the story is wrapped in a romantic comedy package, it deals with themes of self-worth, personal growth, and the transformative power of love. These themes continue to resonate with audiences, adding depth to what might otherwise be seen as a lighthearted movie.
For fans of “Pretty Woman,” the bloopers, backstory, and casting curiosities only enrich the experience. The film isn’t perfect—it has continuity errors, casting near-misses, and plot adjustments that reflect Hollywood’s influence. But perhaps that’s what makes it so beloved. “Pretty Woman” is a reminder that even imperfect things can be beautiful and that sometimes, the smallest, unplanned moments—like a laugh over a closed jewelry box or an accidental breakfast swap—are what stay with us the longest.