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
Mermaids (1990 film) was too fair-haired and Winona Ryder replaced her (Cher and director Benjamin both felt Ryder looked more convincing as her daughter.) Cher was also a fan of Ryder's performance in the film "Heathers" and wanted to work with her. This statement would be rather ironic given that all of Cher's real-life children are blond/fair, and given that Ryder's real hair color is blonde. Lloyd sued Orion Pictures Corporation and Mermaid Productions, reaching a settlement on the second day of the trial, 30 July 1991. This was to have been the American film debut for director Lasse Hallström until he allegedly