Al Pacino is one of America’s greatest stars of all time. Known for his impeccable acting talent and wit, the actor has been in several features that have turned out to be some of the most iconic cult classics today. From his work in The Godfather to The Irishman, fans have come to admire and respect Al Pacino for his versatility and ability to bring depth to any character he portrays.
Known mostly for playing rough and tough characters, it is baffling to think that Pacino was once in talks to play the lead opposite Julia Roberts in her career-defining movie. Although impressed by the young actress, the actor ultimately let go of the opportunity.
Al Pacino Was Once Slated to Star Opposite Julia Roberts
Al Pacino is a true legend of the industry, and his many performances have left an indelible mark on the audiences’ minds. Whether he’s playing a mafia boss or a troubled cop, his presence on screen is always captivating, powerful, and too good to even forget. And so to have him work with Julia Roberts, one of the fan-favorite leading ladies of Hollywood, would certainly have been an epic feat.
In an interview with GQ, The Godfather star revealed how he was offered the lead role opposite Roberts in her timeless romantic comedy, Pretty Woman.
I’ll tell you something, I’ll say it because I read, I read aloud Pretty Woman with the young Julia Roberts. And Gary Marshall got a group of us together, and I was actually filming something at the time and I went.
Although it is unfathomable to imagine anyone else other than Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in their respective iconic roles, Al Pacino would have been an amusing choice. Yet, fortunately or unfortunately, the actor did not accept the role despite being left impressed by the young actress.
Al Pacino Was Truly Impressed by Julia Roberts
Al Pacino’s impact on cinema is truly undeniable, making him a timeless icon whose work will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come. While it would have been wonderful to see an actor of his caliber star alongside Julia Roberts, that feat thankfully never happened.
Although he exclaimed in his interview with GQ that he knew the movie would be a hit, he turned it down eventually. But the actor does remember being totally blown away by a young Roberts during the table read.
And this girl was phenomenal. I mean, I said to Gary, ‘Where did you get this girl?’ And so you really get a sense of it. And that was just to prove that instinct was correct.
Well, Al Pacino was right again, for Julia Roberts was indeed phenomenal, and the movie ended up becoming a hit of epic proportions despite critics calling it controversial for its depiction of forbidden love.
Al Pacino would later work with Roebrts in the Ocean’s movies, but one cannot help but wonder how it would have been if he had said yes to the film.
Pretty Woman can be streamed on Netflix.
