The Magic Behind Pretty Woman: What You Never Knew About Julia Roberts and Richard Gere’s Iconic Romance

When Pretty Woman hit theaters in 1990, few could have predicted it would become one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time. But behind the dazzling chemistry and unforgettable moments on screen lies a treasure trove of surprising twists, casting near-misses, and last-minute creative decisions that helped shape the film we know today.

It all began with a role Richard Gere wasn’t interested in. He had turned down the part of Edward Lewis several times, unimpressed by the script and uncertain about the character. But then came a meeting with Julia Roberts—still a relative newcomer at the time. Sitting across from her, Gere received a simple note slipped into his hand. It read, “Please say yes.” Her charm, warmth, and sincerity convinced him on the spot. That moment of connection, some might say, set the tone for the electric chemistry that would define their roles.

The film itself didn’t even start out as the fairytale we now know. Originally titled 3000—a nod to the fee Edward offers Vivian for a week of her time—the script was much darker, with a grittier look at sex work and no happy ending in sight. But studio executives pivoted, retitling the film after Roy Orbison’s hit song Oh, Pretty Woman, and reshaping it into the romantic Cinderella story fans came to adore.

Some of the movie’s most memorable moments weren’t in the script at all. One such scene—where Edward playfully snaps the jewelry box shut on Vivian’s fingers—was completely improvised. Julia Roberts’ infectious, surprised laughter was genuine, and director Garry Marshall loved it so much, he insisted it stay in. That spontaneous charm became a hallmark of Roberts’ performance.

Ironically, Julia Roberts almost didn’t land the role. Big-name actresses like Molly Ringwald, Meg Ryan, and Daryl Hannah were all approached first. They turned it down, uncomfortable with the subject matter. Roberts, still rising through the Hollywood ranks, saw something different in the role—and turned it into her breakout performance.

Richard Gere also added his own creative flair. The tender scene where he slips a shoe onto Vivian’s foot? That was his idea—a quiet gesture that gave a nod to classic fairytales and deepened the romantic tone of the film. He even composed and performed the piano piece played during the hotel scene, adding authenticity and elegance to his character.

Then there’s that red dress—an iconic fashion moment. Believe it or not, the dress was originally black. Costume designer Marilyn Vance made a bold last-minute decision to switch it to red, defying studio concerns. The result? A jaw-dropping entrance that became a visual symbol of Vivian’s transformation and one of the most enduring images in film history.

The real magic of Pretty Woman lay in its collaboration. The trio of Roberts, Gere, and director Garry Marshall clicked so well, they reunited nearly a decade later for Runaway Bride, another box office hit. But it was Pretty Woman that forever sealed their legacy in cinematic history.

With a global box office take of over $463 million, Pretty Woman became not just a commercial triumph—but a cultural phenomenon. And in the process, it turned Julia Roberts into Hollywood royalty and reminded us all that sometimes, love stories don’t follow the rules—they write their own scripts.