1. Ghostbusters (1984)
The original concept for Ghostbusters was a futuristic adventure involving time travel and ghost hunting businesses. Initially titled 'Ghost Smashers,' the script took the team through different dimensions and timelines, but the final version focused on the friends starting a business together, creating the iconic movie we know today.
The Ghostbusters walk out of the fog in Ghostbusters 1984
2. Toy Story (1995)
The original draft of Toy Story had a major problem: Woody was unlikable. To salvage Pixar's big break, the script underwent a complete overhaul to make Woody more sympathetic and engaging. This change transformed the character dynamics and set the stage for the beloved franchise we cherish.
Woody and Buzz say goodbye in Toy Story 4
3. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
The romantic comedy classic nearly had a different ending. Early scripts omitted Harry's heartfelt declaration of love, but director Rob Reiner realized the importance of this moment. By giving fans the satisfying New Year's Eve resolution, the film secured its place in the hearts of romcom enthusiasts.
Harry at the new year's eve party in When Harry Met Sally
4. Love Actually (2003)
An intriguing twist in Love Actually's early drafts involved a character as a supernatural being. Rufus, portrayed by Rowan Atkinson, was originally conceived as an angel shaping the characters' fates. However, this concept was scrapped to emphasize the movie's focus on human relationships and imperfections.
Karl holding Sarah's hand while dancing in Love Actually
5. Jaws (1975)
Quint, a pivotal character in Jaws, underwent significant changes during script rewrites. The original drafts failed to capture Quint's charismatic essence, leading to revisions that shaped him into the captivating figure we see on screen. These alterations added depth and intrigue to the iconic film.
Quint giving a speech in Jaws
6. Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Anchorman's early scripts took a bizarre turn with a disaster movie plot involving news anchors and orangutans. The final version, however, shifted towards the hilarious antics of Ron Burgundy and his news team, showcasing a comedic masterpiece that almost took a radically different route.
The Channel 4 news team standing and looking worried in Anchorman.
7. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
One of Rogue One's standout scenes, Darth Vader's lightsaber fight, was a late addition that elevated the movie's intensity. This iconic moment, showcasing Vader's power, was not initially part of the script but became a defining highlight of the Star Wars spinoff.
Darth Vader holding his lightsaber in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
8. Alien (1979)
A pivotal twist in Alien, revealing Ash as an android, was a later script addition that enhanced the film's intrigue. This revelation, absent in early drafts, added complexity to the storyline and heightened the tension between the crew members, making Alien a compelling sci-fi thriller.
Ash dies in Alien
9. The Truman Show (1998)
The Truman Show's original script envisioned a darker reality for Truman's televised life. However, a shift to a more idealized setting emphasized the commentary on media manipulation and reality TV. This change preserved the film's thematic depth and resonated with audiences on a profound level.
An image of Jim Carrey as Truman climbing the stairs in The Truman show
