Reflecting on Portraying Young Jennifer Garner in the 20th Anniversary of '13 Going on 30' - Christa Belle's Exclusive Interview

Christa Belle Looks Back on Playing a Young Jennifer Garner for 13 Going on 30s 20th Anniversary

Christa B. Allen Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for MADE/Youtube

13 Going on 30, directed by Gary Winick, continues to charm audiences even two decades after its initial release on April 23, 2004. The romantic comedy follows the story of Jenna Rink, played by Christa B. as a 13-year-old girl longing for popularity and a boyfriend. Jenna's life takes a magical turn when she wakes up one day as her 30-year-old self, portrayed by Jennifer Garner, a successful fashion editor at Poise magazine. She soon discovers that being an adult is not as glamorous as she once thought and seeks the help of her childhood best friend, Matt, played by Mark Ruffalo, to make things right.

13 Going on 30 quickly became a beloved classic for many, standing out among the nostalgic films of the early 2000s. Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo's on-screen charm and chemistry certainly played a role in the movie's enduring popularity. However, it was Christa B. Allen's portrayal of young Jenna that truly captured the struggles and insecurities of a 13-year-old trying to find their place in the world.

In celebration of the film's 20th anniversary, Christa B. Allen, who portrayed the younger version of Jenna, shared her thoughts with We. Now in her 30s, she reflected on what it's like to revisit the movie as an adult and why she believes it still resonates with audiences today.

"I think many people can understand how Jenna feels awkward, not cool enough, and like she doesn't fit in," she shared with Us. "But with a bit of magic, she learns that the true version of herself was always there."

Belle also sees a timeless quality in 13 Going on 30, especially through Jenna's role as a fashion editor, which resonates with content creators, vloggers, and influencers from the last ten years.

Belle shared with Us that her experience in the film was truly unforgettable. She expressed her love for every aspect of playing Jenna, from the amazing cast and crew to the heartwarming story. Even her first real-life kiss with Sean Marquette, who played a younger Ruffalo, was special to her.

She mentioned how the Thriller dance, the amazing music and clothing, and even her first taste of steak and lobster on set all contributed to a positive and formative experience. Belle couldn't help but gush about how everything about the film was memorable and enjoyable for her.

Christa Belle Looks Back on Playing a Young Jennifer Garner for 13 Going on 30s 20th Anniversary

Christa B. Allen Courtesy of Youtube

Belle is now older than Garner’s grown-up Jenna, but she still loves 13 Going on 30 after two decades. For her 30th birthday, Belle wore a (faux) version of Jenna’s famous party dress from the movie, and it became a hit on social media. (You can buy your own online for $20, she recommends, “Just Google it!”)

Cheers to all the millennials who are thirty, flirty, and thriving after surviving the challenges of junior high. Keep reading to discover everything Belle shared about 13 Going on 30 in honor of the 20-year anniversary.

Christa Belle: Looking back on 13 Going on 30 now as someone in her 30s, what resonates the most with you?

Christa Belle: It’s interesting to me that what Jenna wanted more than anything was to be an editor — as so many young people now want to be influencers, vloggers, YouTubers, etc. As we witness the decline of written publications and the rising prevalence of social media, digital creators are a new kind of editor. I think this is part of the reason the film still resonates so strongly with audiences!

Belle: I absolutely loved every part of shooting the movie. The cast and crew were kind and genuine, the story was sweet, and I enjoyed the Thriller dance, amazing music, and fabulous clothing. Plus, it was a special moment for me when I had steak and lobster for the first time on set. Overall, the experience was truly memorable and positive!

Belle: Working with Jennifer Garner was a delight. She always treated me with kindness and care. I am grateful for the wonderful experience I had with her early in my career. She continues to be a great example of someone with true character and integrity in Hollywood. The persona you see in Jennifer’s public image is the same as who she is in real life, which I find very refreshing.

Belle: When I joined the film, it was already completed, including the scenes I was in. I had to reshoot my parts as a recast, so I had the opportunity to study Jennifer's performance as Jenna. This helped me in creating my own version of the character.

Christa Belle Looks Back on Playing a Young Jennifer Garner for 13 Going on 30s 20th Anniversary

M. Caulfield/WireImage

Us: What has your relationship been with Jennifer since doing the film?

Belle: She has always been so supportive!

Belle shared that when she first met Jennifer at 11 years old, Jennifer advised her to maintain a busy life outside of the industry. Jennifer emphasized the importance of not getting too caught up in the Hollywood bubble in order to portray authentic characters on screen. Belle took this advice to heart and has made a conscious effort to lead an active life beyond filmmaking.

Belle: Yes, it was my first kiss, and I was really scared. Sean Marquette, who played a young Mark Ruffalo, and I had to share a peck on the lips in the movie. I was only 11 years old at the time, and he was 15. The thought of it made me nervous from the time I first read the script until the moment I had to come out of that closet.

Belle: I would definitely be open to a 13 Going on 30 sequel now that I am an adult. It's clear that there is a demand for it, and I love giving audiences what they want. Currently, there is a 13 Going on 30 musical, but I've heard that they are only using an English cast at the moment.

Belle: Thank you! The casting process was intense and lasted for many weeks. I received a lot of support and guidance from the casting directors and the studio, and I will always be thankful for that!

Belle: I have a story to share about getting a perfect copy of Jenna's famous party dress. It's not the real one, but a knockoff. I don't know where the original dress is. Can someone help find it? I wonder why Versace doesn't make a whole collection inspired by their past designs. I have lots of questions! You can buy the knockoff online for around $20. Just do a quick Google search.

Us: What was your experience at 13 like? Do you think the film accurately reflects that time in life?

Belle: I was very awkward at 13 and could not have related to Jenna more.

Belle: I believe that 13 Going on 30 resonates with so many people as a coming-of-age film because Jenna's experiences of feeling awkward, not cool enough, and not fitting in are universal. With a bit of magic, she discovers that the best version of herself was always within. Personally, I find a spiritual element in this message that is undeniable - for Jenna, it was wishing dust, for me, it is prayer and gratitude.

Belle: I had no idea. I am a small-town girl from Riverside California and the entertainment industry has shocked me at every turn. It still continues to. Us: Did you have any idea 13 Going on 30 would become what it has?

Belle: I hope to be flirty and thriving very soon! With so many changes happening in the entertainment and digital industries, I’m focusing on being flexible and rapidly evolving alongside them. I think many of us are going through it right now, the good thing is we all have each other. Follow me on Instagram @christa to keep up with my life and projects!

Us: Finally, are you 30, flirty and thriving right now? What projects do you have coming up?

Editor's P/S:

The enduring charm of "13 Going on 30" lies in its relatable portrayal of the struggles and insecurities of adolescence. Christa B. Allen's portrayal of young Jenna resonates with audiences who, like her, felt awkward and out of place during that tumultuous time. The film's message that true self-worth lies within, regardless of age or appearance, is a timeless one that continues to inspire and uplift viewers.

Allen's reflection on the film's 20th anniversary offers a unique perspective on its lasting impact. She highlights the film's relevance to today's digital landscape, where the pursuit of validation and the pressure to conform are just as prevalent as they were two decades ago. Allen's experience on set, from her first kiss to the unforgettable thrill of dancing to "Thriller," also provides a glimpse into the making of a beloved cinematic memory.