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
Winona Ryder Winona Ryder Winona Ryder (born Winona Laura Horowitz; October 29, 1971) is an American actress and film producer. One of the most successful and iconic actresses of the 1990s, she made her film debut in "Lucas" (1986). As Lydia Deetz, a goth teenager in Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice" (1988), she garnered critical acclaim and widespread recognition. After appearances in film and on television, Ryder continued her acting career with the cult film "Heathers" (1988), a controversial satire that has since become a landmark teen film. She later appeared in the coming of age drama "Mermaids" (1990), earning a Golden Globe Award