Drew Barrymore Reveals Surprising Details About "50 First Dates" on Its 20th Anniversary

As the beloved romantic comedy "50 First Dates" marks its 20th anniversary, star Drew Barrymore has shared intriguing insights about the film's production, including an unexpected original ending. During an episode of "The Drew Barrymore Show," she disclosed that the film was initially set to take place in Seattle rather than the iconic Hawaiian backdrop that audiences know today. This revelation surprised co-host Ross Mathews, highlighting the film's evolution from a drama to a romantic comedy. Barrymore also mentioned that the film's title underwent a significant change, originally being called "50 First Kisses." The narrative follows her character, Lucy Whitmore, who suffers from short-term memory loss, and Adam Sandler's Henry Roth as they navigate their unique love story. The final version of the film concludes with the couple married, having found a way to be together despite Lucy's condition. In a surprising twist, Barrymore revealed that the original ending was much more somber. Instead of a happy conclusion, it featured Lucy encouraging Henry to live his life, leading to a poignant farewell. The film would have ended with Henry returning to a restaurant, introducing himself again, leaving viewers with a sense of unresolved longing. Mathews expressed gratitude for the change, underscoring the impact of the film's final moments. Released in 2004, "50 First Dates" became a box office success, grossing over $196 million worldwide, and remains a cherished classic in the romantic comedy genre.