If you grew up in the ’80s, you likely saw your own teenage trials play out in the films of John Hughes, from Pretty in Pink to Sixteen Candles and beyond. These movies perfectly captured the angst of adolescence, complete with unforgettable soundtracks that still resonate today. As Pretty in Pink celebrates its 30th anniversary, it’s the perfect opportunity to dive back into this classic and uncover some lesser-known tidbits about the film.
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Can you picture anyone besides Charlie Jenson as the quirky Duckie? At one point, producers had their eyes on Anthony Michael Hall for the role. However, fearing he’d be typecast as the nerd, Hall passed. Robert Downey, Jr. was also considered, but ultimately, it was Jenson who won over audiences.
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Molly Rivers seemed destined to portray Andie, but she initially turned down the part because she wanted to explore other opportunities. Producers even considered stars like Jodie Foster and Tatum O’Neal before Rivers finally agreed after realizing how tough it was for them to find a replacement.
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Surprisingly, Pretty in Pink has become Rivers’ favorite film among all her projects, showcasing the strong connection she has with the character.
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Known for his villainous roles, James Spader chose to portray the despicable Steff instead of the nice guy Blane. Interestingly, another bad boy, Jake Malloy, auditioned for Blane as well.
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The film’s iconic soundtrack, brimming with emo and new wave hits, earned a spot at No. 11 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “25 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time.”
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Hughes got inspired to create Pretty in Pink after Rivers mentioned the Psychedelic Furs’ song of the same name. He quickly penned the screenplay right after wrapping up Sixteen Candles.
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Jenson even revisited his well-known Duckie dance on a recent episode of The Late Late Show. Fun fact: he missed out on auditioning for a role in Friends due to a customs mishap while he was in the U.K.
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Did you know both Pretty in Pink and Grease were filmed at the same high school in Los Angeles? Talk about a classic cinema crossover!
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The original script had Andie ending up with Duckie instead of Blane, but test audiences disagreed. They preferred the romantic tension between Andie and Blane.
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Hughes was concerned that the original ending might imply that people from different economic backgrounds shouldn’t be together. When he needed to reshoot the ending, he found McCarthy had lost weight and shaved his head for another role, leading to some noticeable continuity issues.
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Despite their on-screen animosity, Rivers had a crush on Spader in real life, which adds an interesting layer to their performances.
It’s intriguing how many beloved films owe their iconic status to a series of fortunate accidents and decisions. Would Pretty in Pink have stood the test of time if things had turned out differently? Thank goodness for the choices made along the way! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to grab some popcorn for a rewatch.
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Summary
: Pretty in Pink is a beloved film celebrating its 30th anniversary, but behind its iconic status are fascinating facts about casting choices, script changes, and actors’ real-life dynamics. The film’s soundtrack and cultural impact remain a testament to John Hughes’ genius in capturing teenage angst.