Jennifer Garner recently disclosed an interesting tidbit about the making of the beloved film “13 Going on 30.” During a reunion interview, she revealed that her co-star, Mark Ruffalo, had serious second thoughts about his role. It seems that the iconic ‘Thriller’ dance scene was the tipping point for him.
According to Garner, Mark Ruffalo almost walked away from the project after they rehearsed the famous dance sequence. The sequence, known for its elaborate choreography, was a homage to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video. Despite its eventual popularity, Ruffalo felt it was a stretch too far for him as an actor.
Garner recalled Ruffalo saying, “This is not for me, I’m a serious actor.” The pressure of performing such a well-known and intricate dance number weighed heavily. It was a departure from Ruffalo’s previous roles and presented an unexpected challenge for the star.
The team behind “13 Going on 30” expected the dance number to be a standout moment. However, they hadn’t anticipated the apprehension it would cause one of their lead actors. The admission by Garner provides insight into the behind-the-scenes experiences of actors when faced with stretching their comfort zones.
Despite his initial hesitation, Ruffalo stayed on board, and the result was a memorable and beloved scene. His performance, along with Garner’s, has been praised for bringing a special charm to the film. The scene helped cement “13 Going on 30” as a modern classic in the romantic comedy genre.
Garner’s anecdote shows the resilience and dedication to craft that actors often must summon. It reinforces the notion that the movie magic audiences enjoy often comes from moments of uncertainty and perseverance off-screen. Ruffalo’s almost-departure is a testament to facing fears in pursuit of cinematic success.
