Rejection and humiliation are common in Hollywood auditions, even for well-known actors.

The late Christopher Reeve, famous for his role as Superman, experienced such a moment during an audition.

In the past, Reeve auditioned for a film initially titled 3000, which later became the iconic Pretty Woman directed by Garry Marshall and starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.

Before Richard Gere, other actors like Sylvester Stallone, Al Pacino, and Burt Reynolds were considered for the role of Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman.

Additionally, Christopher Reeve, Denzel Washington, Kevin Kline, and Daniel Day-Lewis were also in contention.

During his audition, Reeve was visibly upset when Julia Roberts, who was supposed to read with him, was unavailable.

A casting director had to stand in for her, leading Reeve to express his frustration and anger by ripping up his script and storming out of the room.

In his autobiography, Reeve described the experience as humiliating, stating that the filmmakers had no right to treat any actor in such a manner.

He vividly recalled the incident where he tore the pages in half, dropped them on the floor, and left the room after confronting Garry Marshall and the producers.

Al Pacino, on the other hand, declined the lead role in Pretty Woman, citing that it wasn’t the right fit for him.

This decision highlights the importance of actors connecting with their roles on a personal level.

Despite initial hesitations, Julia Roberts eventually landed the role of Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman.

After several auditions with different actresses, the director was captivated by Roberts’ on-screen presence, leading to her eventual casting in the lead role.

The chemistry between Roberts and Richard Gere in Pretty Woman was undeniable, sparking a successful partnership that extended to future projects like Runaway Bride.

Their collaboration showcased their strong bond and on-screen charisma.

Looking ahead, Julia Roberts is set to star in the upcoming psychological thriller The Leave the World Behind alongside a talented cast including Mahershala Ali, Myha’la Herrold, Kevin Bacon, and Ethan Hawke.

In conclusion, despite the challenges faced during the casting process, Pretty Woman remains a classic romantic comedy that solidified the iconic pairing of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.