Twenty years after its release, the beloved rom-com ’50 First Dates’ starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler continues to enchant audiences. But did you know the film almost ended on a much different note? During an episode of her talk show, ‘The Drew Barrymore Show,’ Barrymore revealed the original ending, leaving viewers surprised and perhaps a little heartbroken.
In the original script, the setting was not Hawaii, but Seattle. Barrymore explained, “The original ending was that Lucy said, ‘I have to go live my life. There’s no life here.'” In this version, Henry, the character played by Sandler, initially respected her decision and left, only to return to a restaurant where he would ultimately tell her, “Hi, I’m Henry.” This would have been the final scene, leaving viewers with a lingering question about the future of their relationship.
However, the ending that graced the big screen presents a much happier and more fulfilling resolution. In the final scene, Lucy, having recovered her memories while on a boat to Alaska, finds herself welcomed by Henry and their daughter. This ending showcases both characters achieving their dreams, with Henry pursuing his passion and Lucy finding the family she always longed for.
But the original ending wasn’t the only alternative. Director Peter Segal revealed in a 2019 interview with Entertainment Weekly that he had considered yet another happy ending, but one that didn’t focus on Henry’s career aspirations. “I thought it was a perfect ending for them, but then it occurred to me that Henry’s dream was to study walruses in their natural habitat. So, I thought, well, what if Lucy and her dad and her daughter all went with him?” he shared. “I thought it was a very exciting, very emotional ending.” He added, “The hardest thing in filmmaking is to figure out a strong beginning and a strong ending. If you get those right, you’ve got a shot at a good movie. And this, to me, is the best ending I’ve ever had in any movie I’ve ever made.”
The host of ‘The Drew Barrymore Show,’ Ross Matthews, hilariously responded to Barrymore’s revelation with, “I’m just gonna say, thank you. Thank you for changing it.” Indeed, the heartwarming ending that audiences cherish today perfectly embodies the film’s message of love, hope, and second chances. The original ending, while intriguing, might have left audiences with a lingering sense of sadness. While it’s hard to imagine ’50 First Dates’ with a different ending, it’s fascinating to glimpse into the creative process and the choices that ultimately shaped this beloved romantic comedy.
