Behind the Scenes: Films That Almost Had Different Names
A lot of work goes into making a film, from screenplay adjustments to reshoots. One major component that undergoes many changes is the film's name, often revised multiple times to captivate audiences from the start. Here are 10 beloved films that were originally supposed to be released with completely different titles.
Back to the Future II
One of the most beloved sci-fi franchise films, known for popularizing the genre, almost had a different name. The film was nearly titled 'Paradox', where Doc and Marty McFly travel to the future to save the latter's son. However, their actions upset the space-time continuum, making their present unrecognizable.
Saturday Night Fever
This classic film starring John Travolta was almost released as 'The Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night'. The story follows a paint store clerk who transforms into a disco dancing king over the weekend, escaping his mundane life.
John Wick
Keanu Reeves' successful franchise was almost named 'Scorn'. The name was changed before release to better resonate with audiences. The story follows a former hitman dealing with his wife's death; after adopting a dog, things improve until the dog is killed by the son of a former employer, triggering a path of revenge.
Blade Runner
This hit sci-fi film starring Harrison Ford was nearly released as 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?'. It follows retired cop Rick Deckard, sent to track four synthetics who have escaped to Earth to find their creator.
Arrival
Starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, this sci-fi film about alien contact almost had the title 'Story of Your Life', but was shortened to 'Arrival' before release. The plot involves 12 gigantic spaceships arriving on Earth, with humans attempting contact and learning a new language and the secret to life.
Pretty Woman
Julia Roberts' iconic film was originally meant to be titled '3000', referencing a scene where Edward offers Vivian USD 3000 for a new wardrobe. The film revolves around a sex worker who forms a bond with a wealthy but lonely businessman.
The Breakfast Club
Another iconic film almost had the rhyming title 'The Lunch Bunch'. The title was changed because the students connected over morning events rather than lunch. Another working title was 'Library Revolution'. The film follows five unlikely students who meet during detention and form an unexpected bond.
Dead Ringers
Starring Jeremy Irons, this film was almost released as 'Twins'. It follows identical twin gynecologists Elliot and Beverly who have affairs with their patients without revealing they are twins. When Beverly falls for someone who deceives him, his reality crashes. The film is loosely based on a novel titled 'Twins'.
Goodfellas
Martin Scorsese's memorable mobster film was almost called 'Wiseguy', after a novel by co-writer Nicholas Pileggi. It follows mobster Henry Hill's life from 1955 to the 1980s.
Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino's cult classic was almost named 'Black Mask', but the name was changed during production. The film follows two hitmen, a criminal couple, a former boxer, a gangster, and his young wife, with their lives intertwining. The title was originally a tribute to a discontinued crime fiction magazine that popularized the pulp fiction genre.
