<P> Though inspired by such films as Wall Street and The Last Detail, the film bears a resemblance to Pygmalion myths: particularly George Bernard Shaw's play of the same name, which also formed the basis for the Broadway musical My Fair Lady . It was Walt Disney Studios then - president Jeffrey Katzenberg who insisted the film be re-written as a modern - day fairy tale and love story, as opposed to the original dark drama . It was pitched to Touchstone Pictures and re-written as a romantic comedy . The title 3000 was changed because Disney executives thought it sounded like a title for a science fiction film . </P> <P> The film is one of two movies that triggered a resurgence of romantic comedy in Hollywood, the other being When Harry Met Sally . Following this film's success, Roberts became the romantic comedy queen of the 1990s . </P> <P> Casting of the film was a rather lengthy process . Marshall had initially considered Christopher Reeve, Daniel Day - Lewis, and Denzel Washington for the role of Edward, and Al Pacino and Burt Reynolds turned it down . Pacino went as far as doing a casting reading with Roberts before rejecting the part . Gere initially refused but when he met with Roberts, she persuaded him and he eventually agreed to play Lewis . He reportedly started off much more active in his role; but Garry Marshall took him aside and said "No, no, no, Richard . In this movie, one of you moves and one of you does not . Guess which one you are?" Julia Roberts was not the first choice for the role of Vivian, and was not wanted by Disney . Many other actresses were considered . Marshall originally envisioned Karen Allen for the role; when she declined, auditions went to many better - known actresses of the time including Molly Ringwald, who turned it down because she felt uncomfortable playing a sex worker . Winona Ryder auditioned, but was turned down because Marshall felt she was "too young". Jennifer Connelly was also dismissed for the same reason . </P> <P> Meg Ryan, who was a top choice of Marshall's, turned it down as well . According to a note written by Marshall, Mary Steenburgen was also among the first choices . Diane Lane came very close to being cast (the script was much darker at the time); they had gone as far as costume fittings, but due to scheduling conflicts she could not accept . Michelle Pfeiffer turned the role down, saying she did not like the script's "tone ." Daryl Hannah was also considered, but believed the role was "degrading to women". Valeria Golino declined, doubting it would work with her thick Italian accent . And Jennifer Jason Leigh had auditioned . When all the other actresses turned down the role, 21 - year - old Julia Roberts, a relative unknown, with only the sleeper hit Mystic Pizza (1988) and the yet - to - be-released Steel Magnolias (1989) to her credit, won the role of Vivian . Her performance made her a star . J.F. Lawton, writer of the original screenplay, has suggested that the film was ultimately given a happy ending because of the chemistry of Gere and Roberts . </P>

Who was originally offered the role in pretty woman