Jennifer Garner and Judy Greer Reflect on 13 Going on 30 and Its MCU Connections
Jennifer Garner and Judy Greer have addressed the unexpected connection between 2004’s “13 Going on 30” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, noting how multiple cast members later appeared in major Marvel roles.
The romantic comedy “13 Going on 30” has become linked to the Marvel Cinematic Universe through several of its stars.
In the film, 13-year-old Jenna Rink, played by Christa B. Allen, wishes to leave 1987 and fast-forward to being “Thirty, flirty, and thriving.” The wish comes true, with Jennifer Garner portraying the 30-year-old Jenna who wakes up in 2004 working at a fashion magazine alongside Lucy Wyman, played by Judy Greer.
Since the movie’s 2004 release, Garner appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2024’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” as Elektra. Greer portrays Scott Lang’s ex-wife Maggie in 2015’s “Ant-Man” and 2018’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp.”
During an interview with ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan for season 2 of “The Last Thing He Told Me,” Garner and Greer discussed their favorite memories from the production of “13 Going on 30.” Garner cited the “Thriller” dance sequence and recalled filming in New York City.
“THE ‘THRILLER.’ BUT REALLY, FOR US, WHEN WE’RE TOGETHER, IT’S JUST THINKING ABOUT RUNNING AROUND NEW YORK. OH MY GOD — HOW YOUNG WE WERE, HOW MUCH FUN, WHAT A BIG DEAL IT WAS FOR US. AND IT WAS A BIG DEAL FOR US WITHOUT THINKING IT WOULD BE A BIG DEAL FOR THE WORLD,” Garner said.
Greer described the film as a defining moment early in her career. “YEAH, THAT WAS MY BIGGEST ROLE. YOU WERE STARRING IN A ROMANTIC COMEDY. MARK [RUFFALO] WAS STARRING IN A ROMANTIC [COMEDY] — I DON’T KNOW. IT WAS KIND OF A LIGHTNING-IN-A-BOTTLE MOMENT. OUR DIRECTOR, GARY WINNICK, WAS AN ANGEL ON EARTH. HE REALLY WAS. OUR PRODUCERS WERE THESE GREAT WOMEN. WE GOT LUCKY. IT WAS REALLY SPECIAL.”
Cast Members and Marvel Roles
Garner and Greer also referenced their co-stars Mark Ruffalo and Andy Serkis, both of whom later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Garner noted, “I KNOW — ISN’T THAT WILD? EVEN ANDY SERKIS, WHO YOU WORKED WITH. HE WAS YOUR APE HUSBAND.”
Greer replied, “YEAH — HE WAS MY APE HUSBAND. APE HUSBAND. YEAH. IT WAS FUNNY BECAUSE I WAS ALWAYS LIKE, ‘OH, ANDY AND I WORKED TOGETHER BEFORE WHEN HE PLAYED A HUMAN MAN.’ PEOPLE FORGET. HE WAS OUR CRAZY BOSS.”
In “13 Going on 30,” Ruffalo portrayed Matty Flamhaff, while Serkis played Jenna and Lucy’s boss, Richard Kneeland. Both actors later became associated with major franchise roles.
Ruffalo first appeared as Bruce Banner/the Hulk in 2012’s “The Avengers” and remains one of the most frequently appearing actors in the MCU. He is set to appear in the franchise’s upcoming film “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” in 2026.
Serkis plays Ulysses Klaue, introduced in 2015’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and returning in 2018’s “Black Panther.” Outside the MCU, Serkis portrayed Caesar in the “Planet of the Apes” franchise, with Greer noting she played Cornelia, Caesar’s wife.
Another “13 Going on 30” cast member who later joined the MCU is Brie Larson. She portrays Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel and appeared in the romantic comedy as part of the clique known as the Six Chicks.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe was created by Kevin Feige and launched with “Iron Man.” Its latest film is “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” with upcoming titles including “Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania.” The franchise’s television slate began with “WandaVision” and most recently included “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.” Additional details about Marvel Studios productions can be found on the official Marvel Studios website.
More than two decades after its release, “13 Going on 30” remains a popular romantic comedy. A 2025 review by Rachel LaBonte described Jenna’s arc as one in which she learns to value “her kindness, her creativity, and her big heart,” calling it “a beautiful arc that I’m sure hits home for many women watching today.”
Garner and Greer will next reunite on screen in season 2 of The Last Thing He Told Me, which debuts on February 20 exclusively on Apple TV.