https://screenrant.com/pretty-woman-movie-vivian-ward-molly-ringwald-response/
Molly Ringwald recalls turning down the lead role of Vivian Ward in the romantic comedy Pretty Woman, revealing why she refused the leading role.
Bad move on her part.
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I just plugged her into my mind's cinema change-o machine, and I think Ringwald would have been a better Vivian than Roberts. I think she could have portrayed a bit more "hurt" in her life and a lot more vulnerability that might evoke more emotion and sympathy from Edward.
To be honest, I thought the story would end where Vivian would better herself (finish education, professional job) but not end up with Edward. We're supposed to root for the couple to end up together at the end, but it wasn't a big deal to me. I think if Ringwald had done the job I imagine she could, I would root for them to end up together.
It's one of those arguments that assumes the film would have been just as big with one set of actors as it was with the ones cast. I don't think Ringwald x Gere would have brought the goods. The film was popular at the time because it is a fairy tale, working class girl (ok hooker) who ends up with a millionaire. Not Woke today but at the time it was eaten up by the public.
That is why the John has to be a good looking millionaire and not the local plumber cruising for hookers.