Pretty Woman, released in 1990, is a classic romantic comedy starring famous actors Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. But do you know who turned down the lead role of Vivian Ward?
When the script for Pretty Woman was sent to various Hollywood studios, everyone was interested in the project. But the studios wanted a big name female actor for the lead role. So they approached several famous actresses of the time for the role, including Kim Basinger, Meg Ryan, Michelle Pfeiffer, Molly Ringwald, and Geena Davis.
Kim Basinger was the first actress to audition for the role. However, she was not interested in the script and turned it down. Meg Ryan was also not interested in the role and declined the offer. Michelle Pfeiffer also turned down the offer, citing creative differences with the director. Molly Ringwald, the famous teen star of the time, was offered the role but she also turned it down.
Finally, Geena Davis was approached for the role. She was interested in the script and wanted to play the part. But she was already committed to another project, so she had to turn it down as well. After all these rejections, the studio decided to cast an unknown actress for the part. That’s when Julia Roberts was cast in the role and the rest is history.
Pretty Woman went on to become one of the biggest romantic comedies of all time and launched the careers of both Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. Although the other actresses turned down the role, it was definitely a good decision for everyone involved.
Famous Actors who Rejected the Lead Role in the 90’s Classic Film Pretty Woman
The classic 90’s romantic comedy movie Pretty Woman was a hit with the box office. But what many people don’t know is that many famous actors rejected the lead role. Here are some of the most famous actors who turned down the role before it was eventually taken up by Julia Roberts.
John Travolta was a big name in the 90’s and was the first to reject the role of Edward Lewis. He thought the character was too sleazy and that the script was too close to the 1988 movie Working Girl.
Tom Cruise was the next actor to turn down the role. Although he liked the script, he felt that the role of Edward Lewis wasn’t meaty enough and that it wouldn’t be a good fit for him.
Patrick Swayze was the third actor to turn down the role of Edward Lewis. He thought the character was too one-dimensional and didn’t fit within his career choices at the time.
Sylvester Stallone was the fourth actor to reject the role of Edward Lewis. He didn’t like the script and thought the character was too unlikable.
Harrison Ford was the fifth actor to reject the role of Edward Lewis. He thought the script was too saccharine and that the character had no real development arc.
Mel Gibson was the sixth actor to reject the role. He thought the script was too stereotypical and that the character of Edward Lewis wasn’t interesting enough.
Pretty Woman was a classic hit, and while it may have been difficult to find the right actor at the time, the movie was able to find its way thanks to the performance of Julia Roberts. The ensemble of actors who rejected the lead role certainly had their reasons, but the movie was still a hit.
Richard Gere’s Iconic Performance as Edward Lewis in the Hit Movie Pretty Woman
The iconic romantic comedy Pretty Woman, released in 1990, stars Richard Gere as Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman who falls in love with Vivian Ward, a Hollywood Boulevard prostitute played by Julia Roberts. Gere’s performance as Edward Lewis is widely considered to be one of the highlights of the movie and is widely remembered as one of Richard Gere’s most iconic roles.
The role of Edward Lewis was initially offered to actor Warren Beatty, who the studio considered to be a more bankable star at the time. However, Beatty read the script and thought it was sexist and demeaning and turned it down. It was then offered to Gere, who was not as well known at the time but was eventually cast in the role.
Gere’s performance as Edward Lewis was praised by critics and audiences alike, and it helped to establish Gere as one of the top leading actors of the 1990s. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance. Gere’s chemistry with Roberts in the movie was also well-received, and it helped to make the movie one of the most popular romantic comedies of the decade.
Gere’s portrayal of Edward Lewis was a departure from his usual type of roles, as he was known for more serious roles such as in An Officer and a Gentleman. His performance as the wealthy businessman who falls for a prostitute was seen as a revelation and elevated Gere to a higher level of stardom.
With its iconic performances, memorable soundtrack, and famous scene of Gere and Roberts dancing to “Kiss” in the Rodeo Drive, Pretty Woman has become an enduring classic and Gere’s performance as Edward Lewis is one of the main reasons for the movie’s success.
Richard Gere was the lead actor in the film, opposite Julia Roberts.
Yes, a few actors were considered for the role, including John Cusack, Matthew McConaughey, and Patrick Swayze.
Pretty Woman was initially met with mixed reviews from critics, but it quickly became a box office success and became a romantic comedy classic.
Pretty Woman is a 1990 romantic comedy about an unlikely pairing between a cynical businessman and a naïve prostitute as they discover love.
Garry Marshall directed Pretty Woman.
J.F. Lawton wrote the screenplay for Pretty Woman.
Pretty Woman was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and Julia Roberts won a Golden Globe for her performance.
Richard Gere has appeared in several notable films, including Primal Fear, An Officer and a Gentleman, Runaway Bride, and Chicago.
The song Kiss by Prince was featured in Pretty Woman.
Pretty Woman was made on a budget of $14 million.