Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Garry Marshall’s multi-award-winning 1990 filmPretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, has been one of the most recognizable romantic films of the era. However, the film that catapulted Roberts’ career in the industry, wasn’t initially meant to be romantic—instead, the film originally had a much grittier and darker ending.
While the movie, which represented the harsh world of s*x workers and the way they are treated in society, ended on a happy note with Julia Roberts’ Vivian finding her love in Richard Gere’s rich businessman Edward, the original ending was supposed to be quite traumatic. But thankfully, with the movie going to Disney, under Garry Marshall’s direction,Pretty Womanended on an optimistic note.
Julian Roberts’ Vivian Didn’t Originally Have a Happy Ending
Julia Robertshas been a Hollywood staple for romantic comedies and art films since the 90s, thanks to her breakthrough role in Garry Marshall’sPretty Woman. Hailed as one of the most appreciated, record-breaking rom-coms of all time, the 1990 drama not only won multiple awards but also turned Roberts and Richard Gere into the most favorable onscreen couple.
There’s No Love Lost Between “Pretty Intense” Richard Gere and ‘Pretty Woman’ For 1 Sad Reason: “I’ve forgotten it”
But surprisingly, whilePretty Womangot popularized as a romantic comedy, it was originally meant to be a lot grittier and have a sad ending, which had the potential to leave audiences traumatized for life. Well, according to reports fromEn Vols,when JF Lawton had penned down the original script for the film, there was no happy ending between Vivian and Edward.
Originally titled3000, the movie was meant to draw a parallel between Edward’s (Richard Gere) greed and Vivian’s (Julia Roberts) complicated and disjointed life. UnlikePretty Woman, the original script ended with Edward leaving Vivian on the pavement where they had met, throwing the promised cash out the window in exchange for her company.
Considering howPretty Womanshowed the life of s*x workers,3000was meant to show the whole hard reality without the optimistic ending and hope of happiness. Therefore, JF Lawton’s script ended with Vivian and her friend Kit leaving for a trip to Disneyland with the $3000 she received from Edward. But here’s where Lawton added the traumatic part as Vivian was written to die of a drug overdose on the way.
Disney and Garry Marshall Changed the Ending ofPretty Womanfor Good
Thankfully, according to Julia Roberts’ interview onVariety’sActor on Actor, JF Lawton’s script was picked up by Disney and evidently deemed dark and gritty for adaptation. That’s when Garry Marshall joined the project as the director and offered his positive idea for a romantic and hopeful ending between Vivian and Edward.
“By Monday I didn’t have a job”: Julia Roberts Thought She Lost Her Role in Pretty Woman After Working For 3 Days Until 1 Producer Came to the Rescue
Therefore, instead of Edward leaving Vivian on the pavement with her pile of cash that determined her worth in society as a s*x worker,Garry Marshall‘s version saw Richard Gere’s character chasing after Julia Roberts’ Vivian to win her back rather than driving off to the airport. And this romantic ending turned the film into a cult favorite among rom-com fans.
Julia Roberts shared:
This small movie company folded over the weekend, and by Monday, I didn’t have a job. There was one producer that stayed with the script, and it went to Disney. I thought, ‘Went to Disney? Are they going to animate it?’
Garry Marshall came on, and because he’s a great human being, he felt it would only be fair to meet me since I had this job for three days and lost it. And they changed the whole thing. And it became more something that is in my wheelhouse.
Clearly, Garry Marshall’s idea for Julia Roberts’ character was much more appreciated than what JF Lawton had wished to depict. Eventually, this allowed the actress to spread her wings and embrace her character—unlike how she was initially uncomfortable with the traumatic ending—leading her to prove herself as a diverse and capable star ready for roles like that inErin Brockovich.
Pretty Womanis currently available to watch on Disney+.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3217
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
More from Krittika Mukherjee
Why Is Sharon Stone Dissing Basic Instinct Reboot Despite Years of Clout? Details Inside
Michael C. Hall’s Breakout Came at Adam Scott’s Lowest Career Moment
The Map That Leads to You: Madelyn Cline Shares Controversial Dating Advice That’s Genius
Recommended
When Is Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black: Season 2 Releasing?
The Darkest Star Wars Movie Is Proof Robert Pattinson’s Batman Can Work in James Gunn’s DCU
Spider-Man: Brand New Day – How the 2008 Comic Arc Could Shape Tom Holland’s Next Movie
One Piece: Why Luffy’s Final Fight Will Break Shonen (& It Won’t Be Against Imu or Blackbeard)
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Season 10 Episode 9: Release Date and What to Expect
NYT Strands June 25, 2025 Hints and Solution
Garry MarshallJulia RobertsRichard Gere
