Pretty Woman At 35: Richard Gere’s One Requirement For A Sequel And 10 Secrets You Never Knew About Edward Lewis
The enduring magic of Pretty Woman is undeniable, but three and a half decades later, the world is still obsessed with the man who made the fairy tale click: Richard Gere’s Edward Lewis. As the film approaches its 35th anniversary in 2025, the conversation around the iconic romantic comedy has never been louder, fueled by fresh interviews with the star and persistent rumors of a long-awaited sequel.
This article dives deep into the renewed interest surrounding the 1990 blockbuster, exploring Richard Gere’s recent revelations, the truth behind the viral sequel talk, and the most unique, untold secrets from the set that defined an entire generation of cinema. We also provide a complete profile of the actor whose portrayal of the charming corporate raider solidified his status as a Hollywood legend.
Richard Gere: Complete Biographical Profile
Richard Tiffany Gere, the American actor and humanitarian, has enjoyed a career spanning five decades, marked by roles that often blend charm, intensity, and a thoughtful complexity. His portrayal of Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman remains one of his most recognized and beloved performances globally.
- Birth Name: Richard Tiffany Gere
- Date of Birth: August 31, 1949
- Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Actor, Producer, Humanitarian
- Key Films (Pre-1990): Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977), Days of Heaven (1978), American Gigolo (1980), An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), The Cotton Club (1984).
- Key Films (Post-1990): Sommersby (1993), Primal Fear (1996), Runaway Bride (1999), Chicago (2002), Arbitrage (2012).
- Recent Projects (2025): The film OH, CANADA (co-starring Jacob Elordi) and the documentary Wisdom of Happiness.
- Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for Chicago.
The Truth Behind the Pretty Woman 2: A Second Chance Rumors
The year 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of Pretty Woman, a milestone that has inevitably reignited fervent fan speculation about a sequel. Viral "teaser trailers" for a movie titled Pretty Woman 2: A Second Chance have circulated widely, featuring both Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, leading millions to believe that a follow-up is finally in the works.
However, an in-depth investigation into these trailers reveals a crucial detail: they are fake and were created using artificial intelligence and fan-made concepts. There is no official, confirmed sequel in development from Disney (which owns the Touchstone Pictures catalog) or the original creative team.
Richard Gere’s One Condition for an Edward Lewis Return
While the sequel rumors are unfounded, Richard Gere himself has recently addressed the possibility, providing a definitive answer on what it would take for him to reprise his role as Edward Lewis. His requirement is refreshingly simple and focused on quality over nostalgia.
When asked about a sequel, Gere stated his one requirement: "It all comes down to whether or not there's a good script." This response suggests that the actor is not outright opposed to returning to the character, but the material must be compelling and worthy of the original's legacy. This single condition has become the new focus of fan discussions, shifting the conversation from "will it happen?" to "can a script be good enough?"
Gere's recent comments and involvement in projects like the upcoming film OH, CANADA and the humanitarian documentary Wisdom of Happiness demonstrate that he remains highly selective about his roles, reinforcing the weight of his "good script" requirement for any return to the world of Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis.
10 Untold Behind-the-Scenes Secrets That Defined the Classic
Beyond the sequel talk and anniversary celebrations, Pretty Woman is packed with fascinating production secrets that continue to surprise fans. These details showcase the dramatic changes the film underwent from its dark original concept to the beloved romantic comedy we know today.
1. The Shocking Original Ending
The script, originally titled 3000, was a much darker, grittier tale. In the original ending, Edward Lewis does not rescue Vivian. Instead, he throws her out of the car, along with the money he owes her, and drives away, leaving her to face a bleak reality.
2. Richard Gere Almost Didn't Take the Role
Gere was initially hesitant about playing Edward Lewis, feeling the character was too one-dimensional. It was Julia Roberts who convinced him. During a phone call, she famously slid him a Post-it note that read, "Please say yes," which reportedly sealed the deal for the reluctant star.
3. Julia Roberts’ One Condition for Filming
Julia Roberts was so young and relatively inexperienced that she reportedly had one specific condition before agreeing to the film: she requested that no nudity be involved in the role of Vivian Ward.
4. The Iconic Red Coat Was a Rush Job
The famous red opera coat Vivian wears was not a meticulously planned costume. The production budget was so tight that the costume designer had to purchase the coat from a cinema usher just moments before filming the scene. It was a last-minute decision that became an iconic fashion moment.
5. The Necklace Scene Was Improvised
The famous moment where Edward snaps the necklace box shut on Vivian's hand, eliciting Julia Roberts’ genuine, infectious laugh, was completely unscripted. Richard Gere improvised the gesture to get a real reaction from Roberts, and director Garry Marshall loved the moment so much he kept it in the final cut.
6. The Movie Was Originally Rated 'X'
Due to the adult themes and language in the original script, the film was initially considered for an X-rating. Disney-owned Touchstone Pictures had to heavily edit and lighten the tone to secure the final, more commercially viable R-rating.
7. The Poster Body Double
The iconic movie poster featuring Julia Roberts’ head was not actually her body. It was a composite image, with the body belonging to her body double, Shelley Michelle.
8. The Piano Piece Was Composed by Gere
The beautiful piano piece Edward Lewis plays in the hotel lounge was actually composed and performed by Richard Gere himself. The actor is a talented musician, a detail that added unexpected depth and charm to the character.
9. Molly Ringwald and Meg Ryan Were Considered
Before Julia Roberts was cast, the role of Vivian Ward was offered to several other prominent actresses, including Molly Ringwald and Meg Ryan, both of whom reportedly turned it down.
10. Richard Gere’s Career-Defining Shift
Before Pretty Woman, Richard Gere was known for playing darker, more intense characters, such as the male prostitute in American Gigolo. His role as Edward Lewis successfully redefined his public image, solidifying his status as a leading man in romantic comedies and dramas.
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