The Devastating Earthquake of 1989
Edward and Vivian watching the Italian opera “La Traviata” was one of the more memorable scenes in the movie, and locals who know the area are aware that it was shot in Los Angeles. But the actors were supposed to work on it in San Francisco.
The production set had to be moved at the last minute to the history museum of the University of Southern California due to a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that devastated parts of the city. It caused 67 people dead, leaving damages worth $5 billion.
Meg Ryan Almost Played Vivian
Both Disney and Garry Marshall wanted Meg Ryan to play the role of Vivian. The director thought she was perfect for the part, but when offered, Ryan turned it down. Let's not forget that the year was 1990, and Meg Ryan was still enjoying the worldwide success that came with the beloved film "When Harry Met Sally."
Apparently, Ryan didn't want to damage the "good girl" image that the famous rom-com helped her establish, and so declined to star in "Pretty Woman." Ryan went on to become the "it" girl of the 90s, starring in major films like "You've Got Mail," "Sleepless in Seattle," and "City of Angels." We're happy she did because we can't imagine anyone other than Julia Roberts as the beautiful Vivian.
Kristin Davis, Sandra Bullock, and Sarah Jessica Parker Turned Down the Role
It's not so farfetched to imagine the beautiful "Sex and the City" girls, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis, playing Vivian in "Pretty Woman," isn't it? Well, they almost did! And so did Sandra Bullock! Apparently, Parker, Bullock, and Davis were sought out by the director, but after reading the script, they turned it down.
You have to remember that, as we mentioned above, the original script was much darker than what ended up on the screen. Back in the 90s, when these women were cementing their reputation as big Hollywood actresses, no one wanted to be seen as a working girl in a debut role. Guess the joke was on them since "Pretty Woman" ended up becoming a 90s classic. Not to mention the box office success it had. Sorry, ladies.
Knight in Shining Armor
It would seem that Vivian was alluding to the end of the story when she talked about her childhood dream of being rescued by a knight from being a captive in a tower by a terrible, wicked queen but, believe it or not, when the scene was being shot, the movie’s ending had not yet been written.
Pure coincidence? What do you think?
The Bubble Bath Scene
The shooting of the film was so much fun, especially for Roberts. In a memorable scene where Vivian was conversing with Edward while she was in the bathtub, she became ecstatic upon learning that she’d be making so much money from their deal. She was so happy that she dipped underwater.
Meanwhile, Richard Gere pulled a prank on her and the production crew by disappearing from the set before she could arise back out of the water, which she found amusing.