Richard Gere has revealed his one requirement to reprise his role as Edward Lewis in a potential sequel to Pretty Woman. The iconic 1990 romantic comedy was directed by the late Gary Marshall and told the story of Edward, a high-powered businessman (Gere), and Vivian Ward, a spirited Sєx worker (Julia Roberts). What begins as a business transaction turns into a modern fairy tale of love featuring class differences and personal transformations. Pretty Woman was a mᴀssive box office hit, grossing over $460 million worldwide, and cemented both Roberts and Gere as romantic leads in Hollywood.
The film has remained an audience favorite for decades, but despite sequel speculation, neither lead had been open about the possibility of revisiting the film. Now, while speaking with People at the City Harvest Gala in New York, Gere stated that he would be open to stepping back into Edward’s shoes, but only under one condition. Read his comment below:
It all comes down to whether or not there’s a good script.
What This Means For Pretty Woman 2
The Sequel Would Need To Be More Than Nostalgia
Gere’s emphasis on a “good script” suggests that any sequel would need to meet a high creative bar to move forward. The actor has spoken out before about initially turning down the role, noting that Edward felt one-dimensional until Marshall and Roberts helped rework the part. This sets the tone for what would be expected of the sequel: something fresh, emotionally grounded, and worthy of producing. Although rom-com aficionados wonder what happened to Edward and Vivian after Pretty Woman, it’s clear that a simple cash grab or another nostalgia-led revival simply wouldn’t cut it for Gere.
His comments also make it clear that there’s no official movement on a sequel, only the possibility of future discussions in an era where reboots and revivals are dominating Hollywood. While audiences may be eager for another chapter in the iconic Pretty Woman love story, the actor’s high standards make it clear that only a genuinely compelling story would get him on board. His response does leave the door open for writers and studios to step up and develop a pitch that honors the beloved characters and offers a worthy continuation of the story that doesn’t cheapen the original’s legacy.
Our Take On Gere’s Sequel Condition
A Smart Script Is The Only Way This Movie Works
Gere’s honesty is refreshing, and it serves as a reminder that legacy sequels should not exist solely to capitalize on nostalgia. While Pretty Woman had a fairytale-style ending, viewers had long wanted to see what came afterward for Edward and Vivian, and if they managed to build a life together or if their differences would catch up with them. Answering those questions through a well-written, thoughtful sequel could be worth exploring, and if executed properly, it could deepen the characters and even surprise audiences.
Pretty Woman is available to stream on Max.
Source: People
