Jennifer Garner in 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Is on Everyone's Lips: 'Too Old' or 'The Sexiest,' Plus Joke about Ex

Despite months of intense training and dedication, the actress’ heroic transformation for “Deadpool & Wolverine” faced unexpected backlash.

Jennifer Garner went all out for her cameo in the new "Deadpool & Wolverine" movie. While some appreciated her hard work, others did not.

On Monday, August 5, 2024, the "13 Going on 30" star took to Instagram to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at her preparation for her role as Elektra. In her post, she shared a dynamic clip showing how she got "Marvel Fit" for the film.

The video revealed Garner's intense workout regimen. It was a compilation of rigorous exercises she'd been doing for months.

It featured cardio, weight training, trampoline jumps, swimming, boxing, and even water aerobics. It's a full-on fitness montage!

In her caption, Garner reminisced about the moment Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy pitched the idea of reviving her Elektra role for the third installment of the "Deadpool" franchise.

"I remember the moment @slevydirect and @vancityreynolds had the idea for Elektra Natchios to show up in @deadpoolmovie 3," she posted.

She continued, "We were on the set of 'The Adam Project,' and they gave each other this look they have that can communicate an idea," adding, "There is a crazy artistic kismet between those two."

Garner also spent hours perfecting stunts for her fight scenes. In the video, she acknowledged that it had been two decades since she last wielded Elektra's sais.

"Other than trying to convince my kids' preschool buddies that I was secretly a ninja, I hadn't picked up Elektra's sais since 2004; I was fit, but not @marvel fit," she wrote.

Even though she never thought Elektra "needed an ending," Garner is grateful to Reynolds and Levy for giving her the chance to close that chapter in style.

Netizens have had mixed reactions to Jennifer Garner's video revealing her intense prep for her "Deadpool & Wolverine" cameo. Many were less than impressed, with some saying Garner seemed too slow for the role.

One critic remarked, "She looks awkward and slow...she still gots it? No she don't man [sic]!" Another chimed in with, "And she was still the worst part of the movie."

Some argued that Garner's efforts were pointless, suggesting, "Imagine going through all this trouble to come back for a role nobody asked for."

Others focused on her age, with one person commenting, "She's in great shape but she's too old for this character." Another joked, "All this training for 5 minutes of screen time."

Despite the backlash, a few fans found joy in her performance. Others appreciated her physical transformation, with one joking, "This is why Ben and J-Lo are splitting up," and another admiring, "Her biceps were the sexiest thing in D&W."

Others called her "HOT" and some even thought she looked so good that it must have been computer-generated imagery, with one commenting, "Wow. I honestly thought her body had to be CGI bc she looked so good[sic]!"

Garner first brought Elektra to life in the 2003 film "Daredevil," starring alongside her now ex-husband, Ben Affleck. In her recent cameo for "Deadpool & Wolverine," Garner delivers a joke about Affleck, whom she was married to for over a decade.

The Joke about Affleck, which has become a highlight of the movie, had audiences in stitches. One fan praised the line, saying, "Her Daredevil comment in the movie was HILARIOUS, shoot the ENTIRE movie was HILARIOUS[sic]."

Another echoed, “That dig at Daredevil (played in that universe by Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner’s ex-husband) had me laughing out loud.”

Director Levy, in a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz’s "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, admitted that he did not get Affleck’s approval for the joke. "Affleck wasn't given a heads-up about that line in 'Deadpool & Wolverine,'" Levy said.

Levy did note that he had a conversation with Affleck regarding another aspect of the film. He explained that he spoke with Affleck later because the end credits feature a tribute reel celebrating the legacy of Fox Marvel movies.

This provided an opportunity to discuss the project with everyone involved, as their permission was both necessary and desired. He clarified, "That joke was not, as far as I know, vetted by Ben." But he added, "We made clear to Jen — as we made clear to everyone — everything’s on the table in 'Deadpool.'"

It seems Garner was having fun with her character while on set. She posted a fun behind-the-scenes video where she's seen whipping up a smoothie while dressed as Elektra. Dubbed the "Elektra Smoothie," Garner describes it as a “great and filling way for all superheroes—cape-wearing or not—to start their day."

In the video, Garner starts by adding 1 serving of protein powder, a handful of ice, fresh spinach, berries, one tablespoon of chia seeds, ground flaxseed, almond butter, and a cup of almond milk to a blender. She then blends everything until smooth.

The highlight? She stirs the smoothie with Elektra's signature weapon, the Sai, and licks it clean before enjoying her delicious and nutritious 'Elektra Smoothie.'

As Garner blends her 'Elektra Smoothie' with her iconic Sai, it’s a playful reminder of her dedication. Despite the online criticism, her months of rigorous training reflect her passion for the character.