11 Behind-the-Scenes Facts You Didn't Know About Pretty Woman, Including Julia Roberts’ One Condition Before Filming Started

Nathanial Feil 13 May 2025

Let’s rewind to 1990 when a movie called Pretty Woman hit the big screen and changed the game for romantic comedies forever. Yeah, you know the one—the story of Edward Lewis, a rich corporate raider, and Vivian Ward, a sassy LA streetwalker who finds herself swept off her feet. But there’s more to this iconic film than what meets the eye. From Julia Roberts' unexpected demands to the crazy last-minute script changes, there’s a whole world of behind-the-scenes drama that most fans never hear about. So buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the untold stories of Pretty Woman.

This movie wasn’t just a box office smash; it was a cultural phenomenon. Everyone from movie critics to everyday people couldn’t stop talking about it. Edward and Vivian’s chemistry was undeniable, and let’s not forget the unforgettable fashion moments that set trends worldwide. But here’s the thing: there’s so much more to Pretty Woman than what you see on the screen. In this article, we’re uncovering the hidden gems of the film that even die-hard fans might not know.

Think you’ve seen it all? Think again. We’re spilling the tea on Julia Roberts’ one condition before filming started, the reason why the ending almost didn’t happen, and the little-known facts about the making of this timeless classic. So grab your popcorn, because we’re diving into the juicy details of Pretty Woman like never before.

Here's the Table of Contents for an easy read!

Biography of Julia Roberts
The Origins of Pretty Woman
Julia Roberts' Condition Before Filming
Last-Minute Script Changes
The Movie's Fashion Icon
Cameo Appearances
Life Behind the Cameras
The Making of the Romantic Scenes
The Iconic Film Locations
The Impact of Pretty Woman on Cinema
Conclusion

Biography of Julia Roberts

Before we dive into the secrets of Pretty Woman, let’s talk about the woman who made Vivian Ward unforgettable—Julia Roberts. Born on October 28, 1967, in Smyrna, Georgia, Julia Elizabeth Roberts grew up in a family of storytellers. Her mom was an English teacher, and her dad was a stage manager, so it’s no surprise she found her way to the spotlight.

Here’s a quick glance at her life:

Full Name	Julia Elizabeth Roberts
Birthdate	October 28, 1967
Place of Birth	Smyrna, Georgia
Spouse	Daniel Moder (married in 2002)
Children	Three (twins Phinnaeus and Hazel, and Henry)
Notable Films	Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, Notting Hill, My Best Friend's Wedding

Julia Roberts wasn’t just another Hollywood starlet; she brought authenticity and charm to every role she played. And let’s be real—her performance in Pretty Woman was nothing short of iconic.

Julia Roberts' Rise to Fame

Julia’s career skyrocketed after Pretty Woman, but her journey to stardom wasn’t overnight. She started acting in the late '80s with roles in movies like Mystic Pizza and Steel Magnolias. But it was her portrayal of Vivian Ward that turned her into a global sensation. Her natural charisma and ability to make audiences fall in love with her characters set her apart from the rest.

The Origins of Pretty Woman

Now let’s go back to the beginning. Pretty Woman wasn’t always the romantic comedy we know and love. Believe it or not, the original script was a dark drama called 3000. Yeah, you read that right—3000. The number referred to the price Vivian charged for her services. Director Garry Marshall saw potential in the story but wanted to take it in a different direction.

Marshall believed that with the right cast and tweaks to the script, the movie could become a heartwarming tale of love and redemption. Enter Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The rest, as they say, is history.

Julia Roberts' Condition Before Filming

Here’s the juicy part: Julia Roberts had one condition before she agreed to star in Pretty Woman. She insisted on a happy ending. Yeah, you heard that right. Julia wasn’t about to sign on for a movie where her character didn’t get her happily-ever-after. And honestly, can you blame her? Who wants to root for a character only to see them heartbroken in the end?

This little demand ended up shaping the entire film. The producers agreed, and the rest is cinematic gold. Thanks to Julia, we all got to witness Edward and Vivian’s fairy-tale ending.

Last-Minute Script Changes

Talking about changes, the script for Pretty Woman went through some serious last-minute edits. In fact, some scenes were rewritten on set. Crazy, right? One of the biggest changes? The famous hotel scene. Originally, Edward was supposed to leave Vivian behind, but the cast and crew realized that wouldn’t fly with audiences. So, they rewrote the scene to give Vivian the upper hand and Edward the chance to prove his love.

These spontaneous changes added a layer of authenticity to the film, making it feel more real and relatable.

Why Script Changes Are Important

They allow for creative flexibility.
They adapt to actor input, which can enhance performances.
They ensure the story resonates with the audience.

The Movie's Fashion Icon

Let’s not forget about the fashion. Pretty Woman wasn’t just a love story; it was a style revolution. Julia Roberts’ wardrobe, designed by Marilyn Vance, became iconic overnight. From the red dress to the glamorous evening gowns, every outfit was carefully crafted to reflect Vivian’s transformation from streetwalker to high-society darling.

Fun fact: The red dress worn by Julia in the famous Rodeo Drive scene was actually a vintage piece borrowed from a local boutique. Who knew a borrowed dress could become one of the most iconic outfits in movie history?

Cameo Appearances

Keep your eyes peeled for some surprise cameos in Pretty Woman. Director Garry Marshall made a cameo as the man in the restaurant who tells Edward, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” Yeah, it’s a nod to Jaws, and it’s hilarious. But that’s not all. Julia’s real-life sister, Lisa Ann Roberts, also makes an appearance as one of the hotel guests. Talk about family bonding on set!

Life Behind the Cameras

Life on set wasn’t all glitz and glamour. There were moments of tension, laughter, and even a little chaos. For example, the famous scene where Vivian throws a glass of champagne at the snobby hotel manager wasn’t easy to film. Julia had to practice her aim to make sure she hit the mark without breaking the glass. And let’s not forget the infamous "You had me at hello" moment, which almost didn’t make it into the movie. Richard Gere ad-libbed the line, and it became one of the most memorable moments in film history.

On-Set Challenges

Coordinating complex scenes with large crowds.
Managing tight shooting schedules.
Ensuring continuity in costumes and dialogue.

The Making of the Romantic Scenes

Let’s talk about the romance. Edward and Vivian’s chemistry was undeniable, but it didn’t happen by accident. The actors worked hard to build a genuine connection on screen. One of the most memorable scenes is the one where Edward takes Vivian to the opera. The challenge was making the moment feel authentic, even though neither actor had much experience with opera.

Richard Gere confessed that he didn’t know much about opera but wanted to convey Edward’s passion for the art form. Julia, on the other hand, had to make Vivian’s awe and wonder believable. The result? Pure cinematic magic.

The Iconic Film Locations

Pretty Woman wasn’t just filmed in a studio; it took audiences on a tour of some of LA’s most iconic locations. From the Rodeo Drive shopping scenes to the luxurious Beverly Hills Hotel, every location added to the movie’s charm. The hotel where Vivian stays was actually the Crescent Hotel in Beverly Hills, which was temporarily renamed for the film.

And let’s not forget the iconic drive through LA. The scenes were filmed on the real streets, giving the movie an authentic feel. It’s like taking a road trip through LA with your favorite characters.

The Impact of Pretty Woman on Cinema

Pretty Woman wasn’t just a box office hit; it changed the landscape of romantic comedies. It proved that audiences wanted more than just shallow love stories—they wanted depth, humor, and heart. The film’s success paved the way for countless other rom-coms and cemented Julia Roberts’ place in Hollywood history.

But its impact goes beyond box office numbers. Pretty Woman inspired a generation of women to believe in their worth and to never settle for less than they deserve. It’s a message that resonates just as strongly today as it did back in 1990.

Conclusion

So there you have it—the untold stories of Pretty Woman. From Julia Roberts’ demand for a happy ending to the last-minute script changes, every detail added to the magic of the film. Pretty Woman wasn’t just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Now it’s your turn. Did you know about Julia’s condition before filming? Were you aware of the last-minute script changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going. And don’t forget to check out our other articles for more behind-the-scenes insights into your favorite movies.

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11 Behind-the-Scenes Facts You Didn't Know About Pretty Woman, Including Julia Roberts’ One Condition Before Filming Started

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