Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo re-create classic ‘13 Going on 30’ moment
Initially hitting theaters on April 23, 2004, Gary Winick’s delightful comedy garnered $96 million ($159 million today) in global box office receipts. Alongside Garner, the film featured talents like Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, and Andy Serkis. The narrative revolves around teenage Jenna Rink (portrayed by Christa B. Allen, now known as Christa Belle), who, following a party mishap, wishes herself into her 30-year-old self (played by Garner).
Co-writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, alongside Belle, share exclusive insights with The Hollywood Reporter. They delve into alternative casting considerations for Garner’s role, Ruffalo’s initial reservations about the “Thriller” dance sequence, fond memories of Winick, and ongoing deliberations among the film’s team regarding a potential reboot.
Origins of the Film’s Concept
Cathy Yuspa reflects: “At the time, both of us had 13-year-old girl cousins. We all got together for one Thanksgiving, and we were listening in on them, and they were just so funny to us. One girl’s biggest goal in life was to have a different lip gloss for every day of the year.”
Josh Goldsmith adds: “The conversation would vacillate between the lip gloss and just the most serious things in the world. The comedy of the high drama of being that age was hilarious.”
“We thought to ourselves, ‘This would be a really fun comedy character for an adult female actress to play,'” Yuspa continues. “Honestly, in terms of really figuring out what the story was and who the characters were, we based it a lot on our childhoods. I had my own kind of Jenna Rink experience in seventh grade when I was dumped by all my friends.”
Distinguishing “13 Going on 30”
Goldsmith remarks: “For sure, we love Big and Freaky Friday and all of the movies in the genre, but it’s not like we were trying to avoid any of those movies. For us, the concept was really about choices you make when you’re young, and the implications of those choices when you grow up.”
Christa Belle shares her perspective: “The film has a magical element to it, of course. But I feel the message, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it,’ shines through nonetheless.”
Memorable Scenes and Performances
Goldsmith reminisces: “The ‘Thriller’ dance scene is certainly, in our minds, one of the most iconic things from our childhood, and also from the movie.”
Belle reflects on the film’s soundtrack: “I love the film’s incredible soundtrack. It must not be underestimated just how much great music can contribute to the success of a movie or TV show.”
Yuspa highlights a poignant scene: “One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Matt (Ruffalo) and Jenna are walking at night and get on swings and then end up kissing. It’s just a blend of concept and romance where it’s a swing set, and yet they’re doing adult things. They play that so beautifully.”
Legacy and Future Endeavors
Goldsmith acknowledges: “It’s certainly sad that the late director Gary Winick isn’t here to celebrate the film.”
Yuspa adds: “Jennifer Garner wanted to work with him and was involved in the process of picking him. He brought such a sweetness and warmth to the movie that has helped it remain something that people watch.”
Regarding potential future projects, Goldsmith shares: “A little bit, both on streaming and a sequel movie and a series. It’s all been bandied about. But for us, the musical is the best version of it right now, for sure. A new version of it.”
Reflecting on the journey, Goldsmith concludes: “Perhaps it will, but hopefully the musical is the next incarnation that really flies.”
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