The Story Behind Jennifer Garner’s Involvement in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’

The film Deadpool & Wolverine came with plenty of surprises, including the unexpected return of Jennifer Garner as Elektra, alongside Blake Lively’s Marvel debut as Lady Deadpool. Nearly two weeks after the film’s release, Garner took to Instagram to explain how she reprised her role as Elektra after 19 years.

She shared that while filming The Adam Project with director Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds, they exchanged a look that communicated volumes without words, leading to her involvement in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Garner admitted she hadn’t touched Elektra’s sais since 2004, and while she was in shape, she wasn’t in “Marvel shape.” To prepare, she and her longtime stunt double Shauna Duggins intensified their training regimen.

Their preparation included daily sessions with trainer Beth Nicely, thrice-weekly boxing classes with Flvco Pichardo, and extensive workouts led by Peloton instructor Becs Gentry. Garner expressed her gratitude to Levy and Reynolds for bringing Elektra back, noting that while she didn’t realize the character needed closure, they did.

She also shared her joy working with the film’s cast, including Hugh Jackman, Dafne Keen, Channing Tatum, and Wesley Snipes. Accompanying her post was a behind-the-scenes video showcasing her rigorous training process, from weight lifting to trampoline exercises.

Garner first portrayed Elektra in 2003’s Daredevil and starred in the 2005 standalone film Elektra, which despite her praised performance, was a box-office failure due to its poor writing.