The Princess Bride is widely regarded as one of the most beloved films of the 1980s. With its perfect blend of romance, adventure, and humor, it’s considered a timeless classic. But what if the movie had ended differently? According to director Rob Reiner, The Princess Bride originally had an alternate ending that would have dramatically changed how audiences view the film today.
The Original Ending: A Sweet, Storybook Conclusion
In its theatrical release, The Princess Bride ends on a warm and heartfelt note. A grandfather (Peter Falk) reads a fantastical tale to his sick grandson (Fred Savage), turning the boy’s initial disinterest into delight. The final scene reinforces the film’s fairytale theme and the enduring magic of storytelling, as the grandfather promises, “As you wish,” hinting that the story could be told again tomorrow.
This ending reinforced the message that imagination and love endure across generations.
The Alternate Ending: Fantasy Meets Reality
However, director Rob Reiner revealed in an interview with The Daily Beast that there was a completely different ending originally planned — and even filmed.
“We had this sequence that we did shoot. We didn’t use it. It was after the grandfather leaves the boy and he starts leafing through the book… he looks out the window and sees the four heroes on the four white horses and they’re waving at him.”
This alternate ending would’ve transformed the story from a fictional tale into something that actually happened in the real world. It blurs the lines between fiction and reality, making characters like Westley, Buttercup, Inigo Montoya, and Fezzik real-world figures instead of storybook heroes.
Such a shift would have made The Princess Bride lean much more heavily into the fantasy genre — potentially altering its lasting appeal and emotional resonance.
The Challenges: Andre the Giant and Logistical Nightmares
Though this alternate ending was shot, technical and physical challenges led to its removal. One of the major hurdles came from Andre the Giant, who portrayed the gentle giant Fezzik. Andre’s massive size (over 500 pounds) made it extremely difficult to shoot scenes involving horseback riding.
Rob Reiner explained:
“Now we have Andre who weighed 500 lbs. You can’t just put him on a horse. You have to figure out a way to lift him down with a guy-wire, with cables and all this.”
Additionally, Andre was reportedly intoxicated during the filming of this scene, a result of the chronic pain he suffered due to his back condition. These complications made the fantasy-style ending even harder to pull off convincingly.
Why the Final Ending Was the Right Choice
Although the alternate ending may sound whimsical and imaginative, its inclusion might have undermined the film’s emotional core. By keeping the story grounded as a tale passed between generations, the final version of The Princess Bride preserves its storybook charm and leaves audiences with a powerful emotional connection.
Ultimately, the decision to stick with the simpler, more heartfelt conclusion allowed The Princess Bride to become a timeless classic — beloved by fans young and old.
Source : screenrant.com
