Pretty Woman is a classic that continues to captivate audiences decades after its release. With its unforgettable romance, charming performances, and feel-good moments, it’s no surprise that fans rewatch it time and time again.

But even the most devoted fans may have missed some surprising bloopers and behind-the-scenes secrets that reveal a very different side of the film. From continuity mistakes to surprising casting choices, there’s more to Pretty Woman than meets the eye. Let’s take a closer look at one major blooper that went unnoticed and explore other fascinating details about this beloved movie.

The Infamous Breakfast Blooper: Croissant or Pancake?

One of the most well-known continuity errors in Pretty Woman happens during a breakfast scene between Vivian (Julia Roberts) and Edward (Richard Gere).

In the scene, Vivian is chatting with Edward while casually eating a croissant. However, in the next shot, as the conversation continues, her croissant magically turns into a pancake!

For years, this blooper went unnoticed, but once eagle-eyed fans spotted it, it became one of the most talked-about mistakes in the film. Director Garry Marshall later revealed that this happened because the later takes of the scene turned out better, and in those takes, Roberts had switched from eating a croissant to a pancake.

Despite the mistake, the scene remained in the final cut, adding an unintentional layer of charm to the movie.

Pretty Woman Was Originally a Dark Drama

While Pretty Woman is known as a lighthearted romantic comedy, it didn’t start out that way. The original screenplay, titled “3,000”, was a much darker drama that tackled issues of poverty, class struggles, and corporate greed.

The original story followed Vivian, a struggling woman navigating the harsh realities of Los Angeles. Unlike the fairy-tale ending in the final film, the original script didn’t have a happily-ever-after—Edward and Vivian did not end up together, and Vivian was left to return to her old life.

Disney, however, saw potential in the story and decided to turn it into a more uplifting romantic comedy, leading to the film we know and love today.

Al Pacino Almost Played Edward Lewis

It’s hard to imagine anyone but Richard Gere as the charming yet reserved Edward Lewis, but Al Pacino was originally considered for the role.

Pacino even participated in a script reading with Julia Roberts, but ultimately, he declined the role. The exact reason remains unknown, but Pacino later praised Roberts, saying:

“You could tell at the reading—this is going to be a hit picture. And this girl was phenomenal.”

Other actors also considered for the role of Edward included Sylvester Stallone and Christopher Reeve, but in the end, Richard Gere’s chemistry with Julia Roberts made him the perfect choice.

The Iconic Red Dress Almost Didn’t Happen

One of the most memorable moments in Pretty Woman is when Vivian wears the stunning red gown to the opera. But did you know the original plan was for her to wear a black dress instead?

Costume designer Marilyn Vance fought hard to keep the iconic red look, as she believed it better symbolized Vivian’s transformation and newfound confidence. Thankfully, the studio agreed, and the red gown became one of the most unforgettable costumes in movie history.

Fun fact: The jewelry Vivian wears in this scene—a ruby and diamond necklace worth $250,000—was real! The production team even hired an armed security guard to ensure its safety during filming.

The Jewelry Box Scene Was an Accidental Masterpiece

One of the most heartwarming moments in Pretty Woman is when Edward surprises Vivian with the luxurious necklace. As he presents the box, he playfully snaps it shut on her fingers, causing Julia Roberts to burst into laughter.

Believe it or not, that moment was completely unscripted!

Director Garry Marshall later revealed that it was a playful joke between Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. The reaction was so genuine that they decided to keep it in the final cut, and it became one of the most famous moments in the film.

Other Hidden Bloopers You May Have Missed

Pretty Woman may be a nearly flawless film, but even the best movies have their fair share of continuity errors. Here are a few more bloopers that slipped past most viewers:

• Edward’s Magic Shoes – In one scene, Edward takes off his shoes while lying on the floor. A few moments later, his shoes magically reappear on his feet.
• Vanishing Money – When Edward hands Vivian money in the penthouse, she tucks it into her boot. But when she later removes her boots, the cash is nowhere to be seen.
• The Shape-Shifting Tie – Edward’s tie changes knots in different scenes, shifting from a half-Windsor to a full-Windsor between shots.

While these bloopers don’t take away from the film’s magic, they add a fun layer of behind-the-scenes mishaps that fans love to spot.

Richard Gere Had Mixed Feelings About His Role

Although Pretty Woman remains one of Richard Gere’s most beloved films, he has admitted that he wasn’t entirely sold on the role of Edward Lewis.

At one point, he even described the character as:

“Basically, he’s just a suit and a good haircut.”

Gere also revealed that he initially wasn’t planning on accepting the role, but it was Julia Roberts who convinced him. During their first meeting, Roberts wrote him a note saying:

“Please say yes.”

That simple note was enough to persuade him, and the rest is history!

Conclusion: A Classic Film With Hidden Flaws

Pretty Woman remains one of the most iconic romantic comedies of all time, but even classics have their hidden bloopers and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. From continuity mistakes to surprising casting choices, there’s more to this film than meets the eye.

Whether it’s the infamous croissant-turned-pancake scene, Edward’s vanishing shoes, or Richard Gere’s hesitation to take the role, these little details only add to the film’s charm.

Even after all these years, Pretty Woman continues to captivate audiences, proving that some love stories never go out of style.