Drew Barrymore reveals what could have been the original ending of her rom-com 50 First Dates. (Photo Credit – Netflix)
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50 First Dates is an American romantic comedy highlighting love’s joys and challenges. The film is still etched in the memories of all the movie lovers out there. After 20 years of its release, Drew Barrymore, who starred in the lead role as Lucy Whitmore opposite Adam Sandler as Henry Roth, has revealed unshared details about the 2004 movie.
In one of the episodes of her daytime talk show, the 49-year-old revealed that not only was 50 First Dates originally titled 50 First Kisses, but the movie was also a “drama set in Seattle.” However, fans know that the film’s final version is set in Hawaii, featuring Drew Barrymore as Lucy, a woman with persistent short-term memory loss, and Adam Sandler as Henry, a marine veterinarian who falls in love with her and vice versa. By the end of 50 First Dates, Henry continues to win Lucy’s heart every morning by showing her a video he created to remind her of who he is and their life together, especially after they have welcomed a child.
However, according to Drew Barrymore, the “original ending was [Lucy telling Henry], ‘You should go and live your life because this is no life here.’” She continued explaining, “And [Henry] 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.” After her revelation, Barrymore’s co-host Ross Mathews was flabbergasted, as she said to him, “Honestly, can I just tell you: Thank you. Thank you for changing it.”
50 First Dates was the second film collaboration between Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore as they previously starred as love interests in 1998’s The Wedding Singer and reunited in 2014’s Blended. In March 2023, Barrymore opened up to People magazine about their onscreen chemistry, admitting that their bond is “all based in like love, admiration, and humor.” She said, “I wanted some place to put my admiration and I thought a film was the most safe and cathartic place to do it.” The actress also explored the idea of a 50 First Dates sequel during her show in December 2023 when asked which romantic comedy she’d like to remake.
