Jennifer Garner has recently revealed that Mark Ruffalo, her co-star in the movie "13 Going on 30", almost quit the film over a particular scene. The actress shared this interesting anecdote during an interview on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast.
In the film, Garner and Ruffalo play childhood friends who reunite years later when the main character magically ages overnight. Garner's character, Jenna, wakes up as a 30-year-old woman, and one of the first things she does is try to find her childhood friend Matt, played by Ruffalo. However, there was a scene in which Matt rejects Jenna's advances, causing frustration for Ruffalo.
Garner explained that Ruffalo was reluctant to film the scene and even considered walking away from the movie altogether. The scene took place in a park where Jenna, still in her 13-year-old mind, jumps into Matt's arms upon seeing him. However, Matt struggles to understand what is happening and pushes Jenna away, leaving her feeling rejected and confused.
According to Garner, Ruffalo had reservations about how the scene would play out because it depicted his character rejecting Jenna. He was concerned that audiences wouldn't sympathize with Matt and would perceive him as a jerk. Garner reassured him that the audience would understand Matt's confusion and that the scene was crucial for Jenna's character development.
Garner further explained that the scene was an important turning point for Jenna, as it allowed her to recognize the consequences of her actions and grow as a person. It was vital for the audience to witness this moment of rejection and understand that she had to learn from her mistakes.
Fortunately, Garner's reassurances convinced Ruffalo to continue with the movie, ultimately resulting in the successful completion of "13 Going on 30". The film, released in 2004, was well-received and garnered positive reviews from critics. It has since become a beloved romantic comedy, appreciated for its charming performances and heartwarming storyline.
This behind-the-scenes revelation from Garner offers an interesting glimpse into the behind-the-scenes challenges that actors face during the filmmaking process. It is a reminder that even established actors like Ruffalo can have doubts and concerns about their characters' portrayal and the impact it will have on the overall story.
In the end, the scene in question proved to be pivotal for the movie's narrative, highlighting the growth and development of Garner's character. Without Ruffalo's commitment to the role and Garner's reassurances, "13 Going on 30" may have turned out differently, potentially impacting its success and enduring popularity.
