Richard Gere thought he had better roles out there to play at the time and thought Edward was such a boring character. Why risk it or waste his time? Get a goat and put a suit on it, and that could be your Edward, he said. But he eventually changed his mind after he met Julia Roberts, who traveled to New York City to coax him into playing the role.
After they met, Roberts slipped a personal note that said, “Please say yes,” and he liked her already. He accepted the job mainly on account of their chemistry.
A Very Big Age Difference
People say age is just a number, but when the gap between two co-stars (especially when they're a man and a woman) is significantly big, age does seem to play a part. When "Pretty Woman" was filmed, Julia Roberts was 18 years younger than Richard Gere. She was 22, and he was 40!
This seems to have paved the way for Gere since, after that, he became known for dating (much) younger women, such as Hillary Swank (25 years younger), Winona Ryder (22 years younger), and Julie Delpy (21 years younger).
The Song That Matched the Title
While it was already decided that the original title, 3000, would be changed, it took some time for the production group to formalize the use of its new name. "Pretty Woman" is borrowed from the famous song by Roy Orbison. So they also had to get the rights to use the song’s title, "Pretty Woman", for the movie.
Once production finally got the green light to use the title, they realized how fitting it was for the story and Julia Roberts’ character.
The Red Evening Gown
Who would’ve thought that Vivian’s eye-catching red dress had caused trouble within the production group? The studio wanted her to wear a black dress for a more sophisticated look, but Marilyn Vance-Straker, the costume designer, insisted on the red dress we adore.
The latter eventually won the argument after a number of screen testing. We just can’t imagine Julia Roberts donning a black dress instead.
Live The Pretty Woman Experience
It can be hard to let go of a story that affects us in such a positive way. This is why the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in LA offers die-hard fans the opportunity to relive the "Pretty Woman" experience for $100,000. The two-night package covers the Presidential suite accommodation, Rodeo Drive shopping with added services such as a couple’s massage, and accompanied by a personal stylist.
Couples are entitled to a private dinner at "la Edward and Vivian," of course, followed by a date at the opera.