Fans of the beloved 2004 romantic comedy 13 Going on 30 were treated to an unforgettable blast from the past this week when Jennifer Garner and Judy Greer reunited on the set of Garner’s upcoming television project. The duo, who played best friends-turned-rivals Jenna Rink and Lucy Wyman in the iconic film, shared a heartwarming behind-the-scenes moment that has sent the internet into a frenzy of nostalgia.
A Friendship Rekindled: The On-Set Reunion
The reunion occurred during production of Garner’s new TV series, though details about the project remain under wraps. Photos from the set show Garner and Greer laughing together, with Greer even recreating her famous “Thriller” dance moves from the movie—a nod to one of 13 Going on 30‘s most memorable scenes.
Garner shared a candid snapshot of the pair on her Instagram, captioning it, “Some friendships never go out of style. Love you, Judy! #13GoingOn30Forever.” Greer responded in the comments, writing, “Still your bestie, even if you did steal Matt’s heart first,” referencing Mark Ruffalo’s character, Matt Flamhaff, in the film.
Why This Reunion Matters
13 Going on 30 wasn’t just a box office success—it became a cultural touchstone for millennials, blending humor, heart, and a killer ’80s soundtrack. The film followed 13-year-old Jenna Rink (played by Garner), who magically wakes up as a 30-year-old woman and must navigate adulthood while reconnecting with her childhood best friend, Lucy (Greer). The movie’s themes of friendship, self-discovery, and second chances resonated deeply, making Garner and Greer’s on-screen dynamic unforgettable.
Their real-life friendship has endured off-screen as well. Over the years, both actresses have spoken fondly of their time working together, often referencing inside jokes and shared memories from filming. Garner once revealed in an interview that Greer was one of the first people she called after finishing Alias, her breakout TV series.
What We Know About Garner’s New Project
While details about Garner’s latest TV venture are scarce, industry insiders suggest it’s a dramedy with a strong female-led ensemble. The project marks Garner’s return to television following her acclaimed performance in The Last Thing He Told Me, and rumors swirl that Greer might have a recurring role—though neither actress has confirmed this.
Sources close to production hint that the show explores themes of reinvention and female friendship, making the 13 Going on 30 reunion even more fitting. Could this be a subtle nod to their past collaboration? Fans are already speculating about potential Easter eggs or references to the film.
The Legacy of 13 Going on 30
Nearly two decades after its release, 13 Going on 30 remains a cult favorite. Its influence can be seen in later films like Suddenly 30 (the Australian remake) and Big (which inspired its premise). The movie also launched Garner into rom-com stardom and solidified Greer as Hollywood’s go-to scene-stealing best friend.
The film’s soundtrack, featuring hits like “Love Is a Battlefield” and “Jessie’s Girl,” still gets play at throwback parties, and Jenna’s iconic pink dress has been recreated by fans for Halloween and themed events. Even the Razzle Dazzle dance scene continues to inspire TikTok challenges.
Fan Reactions: A Wave of Nostalgia
Social media erupted after Garner’s post, with fans sharing their favorite 13 Going on 30 moments and expressing hopes for a sequel or limited-series revival.
- Twitter: “#13GoingOn30Reunion is everything I needed today. Now we just need Mark Ruffalo to show up!”
- TikTok: A clip of the “Thriller” dance scene went viral again, with users duetting Greer’s reenactment.
- Reddit: Threads debating whether a sequel could work—some argue the original’s charm was its simplicity, while others want to see Jenna and Lucy as moms navigating midlife crises.
Could a Sequel Happen?
While there’s been no official talk of a 13 Going on 30 sequel, the reunion has reignited conversations about the possibility. Garner has previously said she’d “never say never” to revisiting the character, and Greer joked in a 2020 interview that she’d love to play Lucy again—”but only if Jenna’s involved.”
Given Hollywood’s trend of reviving nostalgic properties (Sex and the City, Gilmore Girls), a limited-series follow-up isn’t out of the question. Imagine: Jenna and Lucy, now in their 50s, facing a new set of challenges—maybe even a magical time-travel twist involving their own kids.
Behind the Scenes: How the Reunion Came to Be
Though the exact circumstances of Greer’s visit to Garner’s set are unclear, insiders suggest it was a planned surprise for the crew. “Judy showed up as a guest to support Jenna, and they ended up improvising a little 13 Going on 30 callback,” a source revealed. “The whole set was buzzing. It was like no time had passed.”
Garner’s production company, Vandalia Films, is known for its collaborative and family-like atmosphere, so it’s no surprise she’d invite an old friend to visit.
What’s Next for Both Actresses?
Garner has been busier than ever, balancing acting with her thriving wellness brand, Once Upon a Farm. She’s also set to star in The Adam Project 2 and is rumored to be developing a Party of Five reboot.
Greer, meanwhile, continues to shine in both comedy (Archer) and drama (The Thing About Pam). She’s also set to direct her first feature film later this year.
Final Thoughts
Whether this reunion leads to more collaborations or simply remains a sweet moment for fans, one thing is clear: 13 Going on 30’s magic endures. As Garner once said, “That movie was a gift—it gave me Judy, it gave me lifelong fans, and it gave me a chance to dance like no one was watching.”
And if this reunion proves anything, it’s that some friendships—just like classic rom-coms—only get better with time.