Julia Roberts and Richard Gere Confirm Talks for ‘Pretty Woman 2’ After 35 Years

A sequel to the classic film Pretty Woman is officially in development. Julia Roberts and Richard Gere are in talks to return for the follow-up. This news comes 35 years after the original movie charmed global audiences.

The project moved forward after a fake AI-generated poster sparked intense fan excitement online earlier this year. According to The Mirror, that viral reaction helped convince the initially hesitant stars to begin detailed discussions with Disney.

Development Triggered by Viral AI Buzz

The sequel talks gained serious momentum this summer. An AI-created poster for a non-existent Pretty Woman sequel circulated widely on social media. While the poster was fake, the overwhelming positive response was very real.

Studio executives and the stars took clear notice. An insider told The Mirror that Roberts and Gere are now “on board.” No contracts are signed, but an early script is being written.

The original 1990 film defined the modern romantic comedy. It made Julia Roberts a superstar and created an iconic on-screen pairing. The story of Vivian and Edward’s unlikely love story remains a cultural touchstone.

A Shift in Stance for a Modern Sequel

This development marks a notable change for Julia Roberts. She has previously expressed doubts about revisiting the story. In a 2019 interview, she questioned whether such a film could even be made today.

Her perspective appears to have evolved. The strong fan desire demonstrated by the AI poster buzz played a key role. The goal is to craft a sequel that honors the original while feeling fresh for contemporary audiences.

The project also rekindles memories of the film’s unique casting history. Several major stars were considered for the male lead before Richard Gere. The sequel will aim to capture the same magic that made the first film a billion-dollar phenomenon.

The long-awaited Pretty Woman sequel is finally taking tangible steps forward. With its iconic stars engaged and a script in progress, a new chapter for Vivian and Edward is on the horizon.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What prompted the ‘Pretty Woman’ sequel talks?

The serious discussions began after a fake AI poster for a sequel went viral online this summer. The massive positive fan reaction to the fake poster showed Disney and the stars the enduring demand for the story.

Q2: What is the potential plot for the sequel?

Specific plot details are under wraps while the script is written. Julia Roberts once joked that Edward might have passed away and Vivian would be running his business, but that was not a serious plot outline.

Q3: Has Julia Roberts always wanted a sequel?

No, Roberts has been publicly skeptical in the past. She previously questioned if the original film’s premise could work in a modern context, but the recent fan excitement helped change her outlook.

Q4: Who else was almost cast in the original film?

Al Pacino, Sean Connery, and Burt Reynolds were all considered for the role of Edward Lewis. Pacino felt he wasn’t right for it, and Reynolds later jokingly called turning it down a mistake.

Q5: When could ‘Pretty Woman 2’ be released?

There is no release date or even a finished script yet. The project is in early development, meaning a release is likely still several years away, if it moves forward smoothly.

 

Trusted Sources: The Mirror, Guardian