The Dark Version of ‘Pretty Woman’ We Never Got to See

The “s*x worker with a heart of gold” trope has been featured in various films, but one of the most iconic portrayals is Garry Marshall’s ‘Pretty Woman’. More than three decades after its release, this film continues to spark debate, with audiences divided between sentimental romantics and staunch realists. Starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, ‘Pretty Woman’ offered a twist on the usual “boy meets girl” story, presenting a narrative where the girl also “rescues” the boy.

The film tells the story of Edward Lewis (Gere), a corporate raider who picks up street-smart escort Vivian Ward (Roberts) for what was intended to be a brief fling. Instead, their encounter turns into a weeklong affair, revealing a deep connection that challenges stereotypes. While the rom-com was already unconventional, an earlier draft of the script, titled *3000*, was much darker and grittier than the final version.

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In a 2019 interview, Roberts and Patricia Arquette discussed how ‘3000’ was originally envisioned as a more serious and disturbing film. This early script depicted Vivian as a severe dr*g addict and Edward as a sociopath, offering a stark contrast to the romantic fairy tale that  ‘Pretty Woman’ became. Arquette, who auditioned for the role, described ‘3000’ as a “dark gritty art movie” that explored the harsh realities of s*x work.

The darker version would have portrayed Vivian and her roommate Kit as struggling with severe health and economic issues, and Edward as manipulative and emotionally detached. Instead of the heartwarming romance viewers got, ‘3000’ would have presented a more cynical view of love and class dynamics.

Despite the darker take,  ‘Pretty Woman’s’ shift to a more optimistic narrative proved successful, grossing $178.4 million at the U.S. box office. The final film explored themes of personal growth and overcoming social barriers, creating a more accessible and uplifting story.

While ‘3000’ offered a raw and realistic portrayal of s*x work and class issues,  ‘Pretty Woman’ made those themes more palatable for mainstream audiences. The film not only altered the rom-com genre but also introduced a more nuanced view of its characters, contributing to the evolution of romantic comedies.

–Farheen Ali