Although we will never really know the reasons why these three world-renowned actors turned down the part, we are sure that, even if they did regret it briefly, they certainly recovered quickly and went on to have big Hollywood careers. When asked about it in an interview in 2010, Al Pacino said, “Sometimes it’s just not the right role for you, and you don’t feel you belong in that part.”
To be completely fair, we don’t really see Sylvester Stallone going to the opera. Or Albert Brooks as a serious billionaire tycoon. Do you?
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.
The Scene With The Snails
A scene in "Pretty Woman" is somewhat adapted from the 2001 film "Princess Diaries," also directed by Marshall. When Vivian struggles to eat escargot, it slips her hands and drops, fans gobbled on her sweet clumsiness. It was a funny moment, and the waiter, trying to save her from embarrassment, said, “it happens all the time.”
That same actor reprised the waiter role in 2001, where it was Mia Thermopolis’ turn to bumble. She hit the champagne glass so hard with a knife that it broke, and the same waiter comes to her aid and says the popular line, “It happens all the time.” Then both Mia and Vivian ate their green dessert.
Other A-listers That Turned Down The Role
Aren’t we all in love with Julia Roberts in some way after she played the role of Vivian? But she wasn’t even a second choice after Molly Ringwald. Diane Lane was closest to clinching it and would have got it had it not been in conflict with her other commitments.
Daryl Hannah also turned it down after seeing it as being “degrading to women,” and so did Michelle Pfeiffer, who disliked the story’s tone.