“I’m an idiot”: Julia Roberts’ Film Almost Made Iconic ’70s Legend Its Lead Instead of Fan-Favorite Star

SUMMARY

• There were many iconic roles Burt Reynolds turned down over the years, including the opportunity to be in Julia Roberts' Pretty Woman.
• Turns out besides regretting rejecting the roles of Han Solo and James Bond, he also passed on portraying Edward Lewis.
• He later explained that he felt foolish for turning down the role.

Pretty Woman, the iconic film that graced screens nearly three decades ago, still holds its timeless charm today. And it’s nearly impossible to picture anyone other than Julia Roberts and Richard Gere as the stars. Yet, there’s a juicy tidbit where Burt Reynolds almost snagged Gere’s role! But unfortunately, he passed on it at that time, a decision he now regrets deeply. Here’s why!

Pretty Woman (1990)

Also Read: “That was his main focus”: Barack Obama’s Involvement in Julia Roberts’ Netflix Movie Finally Gets Clarity Amid Myriad of Controversies

Burt Reynolds Called Himself an “Idiot” for Rejecting the Julia Roberts Movie

Burt Reynolds has had one glimmering career in Hollywood, to say the least, creating numerous iconic roles. While he solidified his status with unforgettable characters, there were also pretty iconic roles he turned down over the years, including the opportunity in Julia Roberts’ Pretty Woman. Turns out besides regretting rejecting the roles of Han Solo and James Bond, he also passed on portraying Edward Lewis. He later explained that he felt foolish for turning down the role. He once exclaimed to What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, explaining why he did what he did by saying,

 “Because I’m an idiot.”

Burt Reynolds in Boogie Nights

Despite his earlier claim that he wouldn’t hesitate to take on any role involving a beautiful leading lady, the actor rejected it. While the true reason behind his decision remains unknown, it does appear that the actor now regrets his choice.

Also Read: Julia Roberts Earned $500K Per Every Minute For a Short Cameo in One of the Worst Chick Flicks Ever

Richard Gere Called Pretty Woman “A Silly Romantic Comedy” That He Forgot About!

During a 2012 press tour, Richard Gere, an icon of his era, claimed that despite Pretty Woman making a significant impact even to this day, he found it a silly little rom-com. So much so, that he would have forgotten about it if the fans hadn’t pestered him to elaborate on his experience filming the iconic piece. He once told Woman’s Day,

 “People ask me about that movie, but I’ve forgotten it, That was a silly romantic comedy.” 

Julia Roberts And Richard Gere in Pretty Woman (1990)

Upon recollection, he stated that despite the role being lighthearted, it was particularly challenging for him to embody. He revealed to The Hollywood Reporter,

“I never thought that I would be able to do a film like that. I didn’t think I had the skill set for that. I’m a pretty intense guy–It wasn’t particularly easy for me to be that lighthearted, basically.”

All in all, the movie remains an iconic piece of cinema even today, garnering popularity over the years as it became a favorite binge-watch for audiences thanks to the numerous OTT platforms.

Pretty Woman is available on AMC + Apple TV to stream.

Written by Sampurna Banerjee

Sampurna Banerjee, an ardent enthusiast of pop culture and movies, pours her passion into her role as a writer for FandomWire. With a penchant for Marvel, DC, and sitcoms, she has contributed over 400 articles, staying up-to-date to the entertainment industry's latest buzz. Moreover, she's penned over 300 articles for Animated Times and shared her work across several Instagram pages. Currently she is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Calcutta University.