Richard Gere's Condition for "Pretty Woman 2" Revealed
Richard Gere has recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of a sequel to the beloved movie, Pretty Woman. He revealed the one crucial element that would need to be in place for him to consider reprising his iconic role as Edward Lewis.
The original Pretty Woman, released in 1990, was directed by the late Garry Marshall. It captured hearts worldwide with its story of Edward, a wealthy businessman played by Gere, and Vivian Ward, a vibrant and independent sex worker portrayed by Julia Roberts. Their initial business arrangement blossomed into an unlikely romance, exploring themes of social class and personal growth. The film was a box office sensation, earning over $460 million globally, and solidified Roberts and Gere as major stars.
Despite its enduring popularity and countless fan requests, a sequel has never materialized. Now, Gere has finally addressed the topic, speaking with People magazine at the City Harvest Gala in New York. He stated he's open to returning as Edward, but with a significant caveat: the script has to be exceptional.
His exact words highlight the importance of the screenplay: "It all comes down to whether or not there's a good script."
What This Means for a Potential Sequel
Gere's insistence on a "good script" indicates that any follow-up to Pretty Woman would need to clear a high creative hurdle. He has previously mentioned his initial hesitation about taking on the role of Edward, finding the character somewhat lacking in depth until Marshall and Roberts collaborated to enrich the part. This suggests that a sequel would need to be innovative, emotionally resonant, and truly deserving of being made.
While many fans are curious about what happened to Edward and Vivian after the original film's fairytale ending, Gere's make it clear that a simple, nostalgic rehash wouldn't be enough to entice him. The project would need a fresh and compelling narrative.
No Official Plans (Yet)
His remarks also suggest that there are currently no active plans for a sequel. Instead, it opens the door for future discussions, particularly in a Hollywood landscape saturated with reboots and revivals. While audiences are undoubtedly eager for another chapter in Edward and Vivian's love story, Gere's high standards emphasize that only a genuinely captivating story would persuade him to participate.
This response provides an opportunity for writers and studios to develop a pitch that both honors the beloved characters and offers a worthy continuation of their story, one that enhances rather than diminishes the original film's legacy.
The Importance of a Smart Script
Gere's candor is welcome, serving as a reminder that sequels should not be solely driven by nostalgia. Although Pretty Woman concluded on a hopeful note, viewers have often wondered about the long-term prospects for Edward and Vivian: whether they successfully built a life together or if their differences ultimately proved insurmountable. A thoughtful, well-written sequel that explores these questions could be a worthwhile endeavor, potentially adding depth to the characters and surprising audiences.
Pretty Woman is currently available for streaming on Max.