Pretty Woman remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic comedies — a timeless favorite that made Julia Roberts and Richard Gere household names. But behind the polished charm and fairytale glow, the film hides an array of surprising slip-ups, alternate takes, and fascinating behind-the-scenes choices that even devoted fans may have missed.
When Disney acquired the project, everything changed. The original screenplay, titled 3,000 by J.F. Lawton, was a gritty drama exploring class disparity and corporate greed. Once Disney took over, the tone shifted dramatically. The studio softened the darker edges, poured in a generous budget, and transformed it into the glossy romantic comedy audiences adore today.
Casting Pretty Woman wasn’t easy, either. Before Richard Gere signed on as Edward Lewis, Al Pacino nearly took the role. He even attended a casting session with Roberts before turning it down. “I mean, you could tell at the reading, this is going to be good, this is going to be a hit picture,” Pacino recalled years later. “And this girl was phenomenal.” His instincts were spot-on — Julia Roberts’ breakout performance would forever define the film’s legacy.
Even perfection has its flaws, and Pretty Woman is full of them. One of the most famous continuity errors happens during the breakfast scene, when Vivian starts eating a croissant that suddenly becomes a pancake in the very next shot. Director Garry Marshall later admitted that Roberts’ best take happened during the pancake sequence — so they kept it, even if it didn’t quite match.
Costume design played a huge part in the film’s visual storytelling. The iconic red gown worn to the opera wasn’t just glamorous — it symbolized Vivian’s transformation and empowerment. Designed by award-winning stylist Marilyn Vance, the dress was praised by Vogue as “eye-catching, incredibly sexy without losing an ounce of elegance.” Vance also designed the chic brown-and-white polka-dot dress from the horse race scene — crafted from vintage silk found in a tiny Los Angeles fabric shop. Even Richard Gere’s wardrobe had its secrets, from handpicked suits in muted tones to the now-famous tie that Roberts “stole” onscreen — a $48 find from a local shop that became one of the film’s signature props.
But perhaps the most charming detail of all wasn’t planned. During the unforgettable necklace scene, Richard Gere snapped the jewelry box closed as Julia Roberts reached inside, prompting her spontaneous, radiant laugh. That wasn’t scripted — it was a gentle prank to wake up the young actress after a long night. The director loved it so much that he kept it in, turning a joke into one of cinema’s most endearing moments.