Even after two decades, Drew Barrymore still recalls how one of her romantic comedy hits nearly had a very different outcome.

Barrymore, who starred alongside Adam Sandler in the 2004 movie “50 First Dates,” disclosed during a recent episode of “The Drew Barrymore Show” that the film had an entirely different finale initially.

The film, directed by Peter Segal and set in Hawaii, tells the story of Lucy Whitmore and Henry Roth, two people who are deeply in love but face challenges due to Whitmore’s short-term memory loss, causing her to forget their relationship regularly.

<p-Drew’s News” contributor Ross Matthews asked Barrymore if any of her films underwent significant ending changes, prompting her to reveal that “50 First Dates,” which was initially named “50 First Kisses,” was originally designed as a “drama in Seattle.”

The final cut of the film shows Whitmore regaining her memory after watching a tape made by Roth, leading to a tender reunion with him and their child. However, Barrymore explained that the original conclusion was quite different.

She reminisced that Whitmore suggested to Roth, “’You should go and live your life because this is no life here.’” In this version of the ending, Roth leaves, then returns to a restaurant, where he simply says, ‘Hi, I’m Henry,’ and the movie concludes there.

Matthews expressed his gratitude that this alternative ending was ultimately scrapped, replying, “Honestly, let me just say: Thank you. Thank you for the change.”

Premiering in February 2004, “50 First Dates” amassed a total of $198.4 million globally at the box office. The chemistry between Barrymore and Sandler earned them a People’s Choice Award for favorite on-screen duo.

In 2020, Barrymore and Sandler revisited their roles for a pandemic-themed sketch on “The Drew Barrymore Show.”