Jon Cryer Thinks “Pretty in Pink’s” Original Ending Might Have Worked If Molly Ringwald Hadn’t Gotten Sick During Filming (Exclusive)

**Jon Cryer Reflects on the Legacy of ‘Pretty in Pink’ 40 Years On**

As ‘Pretty in Pink’ celebrates its 40th anniversary, Jon Cryer, who played the lovable character Duckie, has shared his thoughts on the iconic film and its journey from initial screening to final cut. The film, which has become a touchstone of 1980s cinema, originally featured a different ending that saw Cryer’s character End up with Molly Ringwald’s Andie. This ending, while conceptualised with a focus on friendship, was ultimately scrapped following adverse reactions from test audiences.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Cryer expressed that he was not entirely taken aback when the original conclusion didn’t resonate with viewers. He reflected on the original filming, revealing that Ringwald was unwell during the shoot, which might have contributed to the scene’s lack of impact. “Molly had the stomach flu that day, and we didn’t capture all the moments that might have made that scene more compelling,” Cryer noted.

During the reshot ending, which replaced the original’s climax, Ringwald’s Andie is approached by Andrew McCarthy’s Blane, who apologises for his previous abandonment and takes her to prom, with Duckie supporting their reunion. Cryer joked about McCarthy’s charm and how it might have swayed audiences. The reshoots ultimately provided the film with a more palatable resolution for viewers, but it also left Cryer to reflect on what might have been.

Cryer recalled that, in the ill-fated original ending, Duckie made a dramatic entrance at the prom, leading the pair to dance to David Bowie’s classic, “Heroes.” Unfortunately, this moment was overshadowed by Ringwald’s struggles during the shoot. “She collapsed in my arms due to her illness while we were filming the dance,” Cryer recounted, looking back on the scene with a hint of nostalgia.

Despite the change, Cryer believes that ‘Pretty in Pink’ has aged gracefully, crediting its thematic focus on class disparity, a topic that many films of its era avoided. “It’s a simple, timeless story,” he remarked. “As long as there are proms, there will be a sense of relatability with our film.” The portrayal of class struggles was one of the standout features that set the film apart from its contemporaries.

Cryer expressed gratitude for working with director Howard Deutch and writer John Hughes early in his career. He fondly views Duckie as a character who embodied the rebellious spirit he admired during his own high school days. “Duckie was the guy I wanted to be,” he said. “He was unapologetic and lived his life out loud, a stark contrast to my own more introverted nature.”

His own high school experience was characterised by a desire to pursue theatre, a path complicated by the lack of a formal theatre programme at his school. “I didn’t fit in with those around me,” Cryer admitted. “But Duckie didn’t care about that. He accepted himself and faced life head-on.”

With his career now leading him back to the stage in the off-Broadway revival of ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,’ Cryer finds joy in the role of Vice Principal Douglas Panch. He noted the importance of theatre in current times, stating, “It’s such a joy to be part of something uplifting and filled with heart, especially during stressful periods in the world.”

Reflecting on the nostalgic legacy of ‘Pretty in Pink’, Cryer acknowledged that while the film’s stories and characters might evolve, the core themes of love, friendship, and self-acceptance remain eternally relevant. As fans commemorate the film’s four-decade legacy, Cryer remains a proud ambassador for the spirit of Duckie—a character who, in many ways, represents the ideal of being true to oneself regardless of societal expectations.

Tickets for ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ are currently available, inviting audiences to experience another celebration of storytelling through the medium of theatre. As ‘Pretty in Pink’ reminisces about its impactful past, it is clear that Jon Cryer’s Duckie will always hold a special place in the hearts of viewers old and new.