By Zack Sharf
Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler’s “50 First Dates” is a timeless romantic-comedy classic that has touched the hearts of many since its release in 2004. As the film celebrates its 20th anniversary, Drew Barrymore recently unveiled a surprising revelation about its original ending on her daytime talk show. This revelation has given fans a fresh perspective on the film’s narrative and its journey from conception to the final theatrical cut.
Introduction
The romantic comedy “50 First Dates” has become a beloved film over the past two decades, captivating audiences with its unique love story and memorable performances by Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler. The film tells the touching tale of Henry, a marine veterinarian, and Lucy, an art teacher suffering from anterograde amnesia, which causes her memory to reset every day. This premise sets the stage for a heartwarming and often humorous exploration of love and memory.
However, the film we know and love today could have had a very different ending. Drew Barrymore recently shared on her talk show that the original ending of “50 First Dates,” then titled “50 First Kisses,” was much less definitive and far more somber. This revelation has intrigued fans and sparked discussions about the creative process behind the film.
The Original Ending: A Bittersweet Conclusion
Drew Barrymore’s Revelation
During an episode of her talk show, Drew Barrymore revealed that the original ending of “50 First Dates” was quite different from what audiences saw in theaters. She explained that the film, initially titled “50 First Kisses,” was set in Seattle and had a more dramatic tone.
“Something that always sticks in my mind is the original ending of ’50 First Kisses,’ as it was called at the time,” Barrymore said. “Yeah, it was a drama set in Seattle. The original ending was her saying, ‘You should go and live your life because this is no life here.’ And he goes away, as he does, and he comes back and he walks into the restaurant and he just sits down and says, ‘Hi, I’m Henry.’ And the film ends.”
Barrymore’s co-host, Ross Matthews, reacted to this revelation with gratitude, expressing relief that the ending was changed.
The Theatrical Ending: A Happily Ever After
The ending that made it to theaters is one that has left a lasting impression on audiences. In the final cut, Henry and Lucy are shown to be happily together, living on a boat in Alaska with their daughter. This ending provides a sense of closure and fulfillment, highlighting the resilience of love even in the face of memory loss.
Director Peter Segal, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, shared insights into another alternate ending considered for the film. This version involved a grand gesture by Henry to help Lucy remember their love story.
Exploring Alternate Endings
Henry’s Grand Gesture
In one of the alternate endings discussed by director Peter Segal, Henry makes a significant effort to help Lucy retain her memories. This version involved Lucy waking up in bed and immediately seeing a mural on the ceiling that depicted the story of her accident and life over the years.
“It was a mural that she painted that, unlike the mural in her father’s garage, which they painted over each day so she had a blank canvas to work on, this one Henry left up so that when she woke up in the morning she could see a pictorial timeline of her last day to reintroduce her,” Segal explained. “So by the time she finished panning with her eyes from left to right, she would come to rest on Henry.”
This ending aimed to provide a gentle reintroduction to her life and Henry, contrasting with earlier scenes where Lucy would wake up and react with fear and confusion upon seeing Henry.
The Pivot to Alaska
The final decision to end the film with Henry realizing his dream of studying walruses in their natural habitat in Alaska was a turning point. Segal shared that this idea resonated emotionally and offered a strong conclusion to the couple’s story.
“The idea came up, well, what if Lucy, her father, and their child were all there with him, and that just seemed really exciting and very emotional to me,” Segal said. “The hardest thing in movies is to come up with a strong beginning and a strong end, and if you have that, you’ve got a shot, and I think to this day, it’s the best ending to any movie that I’ve done.”
Recurring Collaborations: Segal and Sandler
Peter Segal and Adam Sandler have collaborated on multiple occasions, creating memorable films like “Anger Management” (2003) and “The Longest Yard” (2005). Their partnership has consistently delivered engaging and humorous content that resonates with audiences.
FAQs About “50 First Dates”
What is the premise of “50 First Dates”?
“50 First Dates” centers on the love story between Henry, a marine veterinarian, and Lucy, an art teacher with anterograde amnesia. Lucy’s memory resets each day, leading Henry to find creative ways to make her fall in love with him repeatedly.
Why was the original ending of “50 First Dates” changed?
The original ending was much more somber and less definitive. The filmmakers decided to change it to provide a more satisfying and hopeful conclusion for the audience.
How does the theatrical ending of “50 First Dates” differ from the alternate endings?
The theatrical ending shows Henry and Lucy happily together with their daughter in Alaska, while the alternate endings explored more dramatic and bittersweet conclusions.
Conclusion
The journey of “50 First Dates” from its original concept to the beloved film we know today is a testament to the creative process in filmmaking. Drew Barrymore’s recent revelation about the original ending has provided fans with a deeper understanding of the film’s evolution. The final theatrical ending, with its hopeful and heartwarming conclusion, has undoubtedly contributed to the film’s enduring popularity. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of “50 First Dates,” it remains a poignant reminder of the power of love and memory.
