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When the film Elektra arrived in theaters in January 2005, Jennifer Garner was one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. The series Alias remained a hit on television, she had recently proven her box office power with the romantic comedy 13 Going on 30, and studios were actively searching for their next major female led superhero franchise. That momentum led to Garner headlining Elektra, a spinoff of the 2003 movie Daredevil where she first introduced audiences to the lethal Marvel assassin.

At the time, expectations were high, but the film’s reception was harsh. Critics panned the movie, and its box office performance made it one of the weakest earning Marvel based titles since Howard the Duck. Over the years, however, as superhero movies reshaped pop culture and older titles were reevaluated by fans, this early Elektra movie experienced an unexpected resurgence. Today, the Jennifer Garner–led Elektra project has developed a devoted cult following, with many viewers embracing its darker tone and Garner’s intense, emotionally layered performance..

Jennifer Garner on Discovering the Role

When Garner first stepped into the character’s boots for Daredevil, she approached the role with a desire to understand the mythology, tragedy, and emotional complexity behind her. This was not a typical early 2000s superhero. She was morally conflicted, defined by trauma, and unapologetically fierce. Garner’s commitment to portraying those qualities helped shape the character’s legacy and contributed to the film’s lasting appeal, even among viewers rediscovering it decades later.

Click on the media bar below to hear Jennifer Garner discuss her process for playing the iconic Marvel character, something she told us at the time of Daredevil’s release.

How Elektra Became a Cult Classic

Over time, fans revisited pre MCU Marvel films with fresh eyes. In that context, Elektra stands out for its stylized martial arts sequences, mythological influences, and its willingness to center a deeply conflicted female protagonist in an era when stories like that were unusual. Garner’s physical transformation and dramatic intensity became key reasons why the film earned renewed respect among comic book and action film fans.

Nostalgia for early 2000s superhero cinema has also played a significant role in the movie’s rediscovery. As new franchises dominate theaters, viewers increasingly look back at the films that paved the way, especially the ambitious and distinctive titles from that era that didn’t fit the traditional superhero mold.

Watch the Original Trailer

Where to Watch Elektra Today

For longtime fans and first time viewers alike, Elektra is currently streaming on Disney Plus and is also available on DVD, Blu ray, and major digital retailers including Amazon.

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