Pretty Woman 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. Emily Lloyd turned it down as it conflicted with her shooting for the film "Mermaids". 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
Richard Ryder, Baron Ryder of Wensum that the process to select a new Chairman had begun, and that he would not be putting his name forward. Michael Grade was appointed on 2 April 2004 and took up his post on 17 May; Ryder resumed the post of Vice-Chairman. Ryder resigned early on 1 August 2004, after which the position was assumed by Anthony Salz. Ryder is the Chairman of the Institute of Cancer Research, and is a director of Ipswich Town F.C.. He is a nephew of the late Sue Ryder, the Baroness Ryder of Warsaw. Richard Ryder, Baron Ryder of Wensum Richard Andrew Ryder, Baron