Aubrey Plaza Details Nearly Marrying Michael Cera in Vegas Before They Got 'Too High' and Bailed
Aubrey Plaza Details Nearly Marrying Michael Cera in Vegas Before They Got 'Too High' and Bailed
In a revelation that sounds like it was ripped straight from the script of an indie romantic comedy, Hollywood star Aubrey Plaza has finally shared the chaotic details of her near-marriage to former boyfriend and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World co-star, Michael Cera. Appearing on the popular Smartless podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, the Parks and Recreation actress delved into the 18-month relationship that the public barely knew existed until years after it ended. The most shocking detail? A spontaneous plan to tie the knot in Las Vegas that was derailed by a combination of herbal intoxication and the sheer intensity of early-2010s celebrity fame.
Featured Snippet: Why did Aubrey Plaza and Michael Cera almost get married? Aubrey Plaza and Michael Cera nearly married in Las Vegas in 2010 during a cross-country road trip. The couple intended to wed and immediately divorce as a "bit" so they could refer to each other as ex-spouses for the rest of their lives. However, they bailed on the plan at the courthouse because they were "too high" on edibles and became paranoid when fans recognized the then-super-famous Cera.
The Secret Romance: 18 Months of Indie History
For years, the relationship between Aubrey Plaza and Michael Cera was one of Hollywood's best-kept secrets. The two met while filming the cult classic Scott Pilgrim vs. the World in Toronto around 2009. While their characters, Julie Powers and Scott Pilgrim, didn't share much affection on screen, the actors hit it off behind the scenes. Plaza revealed that they dated for a year and a half, a period during which they managed to stay largely under the radar of the burgeoning paparazzi culture of the time.
The relationship was defined by a shared, idiosyncratic sense of humor—something both actors are famous for today. Plaza has often described Cera as a "weird little freak" in an endearing way, noting that they "speak the same language." This shared wavelength is what led to many of their adventures, including the infamous road trip that nearly ended at a Vegas altar.
The Vegas Detour: A Marriage for the "Bit"
During a cross-country drive from Chicago to Los Angeles, the couple decided to take a detour through Sin City. But unlike most couples who elope out of a rush of passion, Plaza and Cera’s motivation was purely comedic. As Plaza explained on Smartless, they thought it would be a "really good bit" to be married and then get divorced right away. The goal was to be able to call each other "my ex-husband" and "my ex-wife" for the rest of their lives while still only being in their early twenties.
This commitment to a joke is a hallmark of both their careers. Cera, fresh off the massive success of Superbad and Juno, and Plaza, just beginning her iconic run as April Ludgate, were the darlings of the alternative comedy scene. To them, the legal permanence of marriage was secondary to the long-term payoff of a sarcastic title.
Why They Bailed: Edibles and Paparazzi Paranoia
So, what stopped the "bit" from becoming a legal reality? According to Plaza, it was a mixture of substance-induced anxiety and the reality of Cera's massive fame. The couple had been consuming a bag of edibles during their journey, and by the time they reached the county clerk's office in Las Vegas, the "high" had shifted from fun to paranoid.
Plaza recalled getting in line at the courthouse, but the moment they were recognized, the plan fell apart. At that time, Michael Cera was at the peak of his leading-man fame. "He was so recognizable," Plaza explained. When people started running toward them or staring, the paranoia kicked in. "We ran. So that’s kind of all I remember that happened. We bailed."
Inside the Smartless Podcast Revelation
The conversation on Smartless provided a rare, unfiltered look into Plaza's personal life. The podcast, known for its lighthearted and often deep-diving interviews, was the perfect venue for Plaza to share this story. Hosts Jason Bateman and Will Arnett, who both worked with Cera on Arrested Development, added their own brand of humor to the retelling, with Bateman joking that "fame saved" them from a lifetime of paperwork.
Plaza’s willingness to discuss the relationship now, over a decade later, highlights the maturity and enduring friendship the two share. She emphasized that she still loves Cera "so much" and that they remain very close friends. This sentiment was echoed by Cera in a previous interview, where he praised Plaza’s career trajectory and her talent as a producer and actress.
| Key Event | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Meeting | Met on the set of 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World' in 2009. |
| Relationship Duration | Dated for 18 months between 2009 and 2011. |
| The Road Trip | Drove from Chicago to L.A. with a bag of edibles. |
| The Vegas Plan | Attempted to marry and divorce immediately as a comedy bit. |
| Current Status | Both are married to others but remain best friends. |
Michael Cera's Side of the Story: The 2023 Rolling Stone Interview
Interestingly, Michael Cera had teased this story a year prior during an interview with Rolling Stone in June 2023. He recalled the spontaneous detour through Vegas, confirming that the idea was to get a certificate just to have the "ex" title. "I think the idea was to then get a divorce right away, so we could call each other 'my ex-husband' and 'my ex-wife' at like 20," Cera told the magazine.
Cera’s retelling was slightly less detailed about the "high" aspect but focused on the whimsical nature of their youth. He also used the opportunity to express his admiration for Plaza’s recent successes, particularly her work in Ingrid Goes West and her transition into producing. "She's always been so committed to everything that she does," he noted, expressing zero surprise at her A-list status.
The "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" Legacy
The connection between Plaza and Cera is forever tied to the legacy of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. The film, directed by Edgar Wright, has become a cornerstone of geek culture and indie cinema. The fact that two of its stars had a secret, long-term romance only adds to the film's mythology. The cast recently reunited for the Netflix anime series, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, where they reprised their roles, proving that the bond between the actors remains strong despite the passage of time and past romantic entanglements.
For fans, the "almost marriage" story provides a new lens through which to view their on-screen chemistry—or lack thereof, given their characters' antagonistic relationship. It showcases the vibrant, creative, and slightly chaotic energy that defined the cast of that era.
Where Are They Now? Life After the Road Trip
Since their 2010 road trip, both Aubrey Plaza and Michael Cera have moved on to significant milestones in their personal lives. Aubrey Plaza married filmmaker Jeff Baena in 2021 after a long-term relationship. The two have collaborated on several projects, including The Little Hours and Life After Beth. Plaza’s career has exploded, with critically acclaimed roles in The White Lotus and Emily the Criminal.
Michael Cera, meanwhile, has also settled down. He married his partner, Nadine, in 2017, and the couple welcomed a son in late 2021. Despite their separate lives, the two frequently cross paths in the industry and continue to support each other’s work. Their story is a refreshing example of a Hollywood breakup that didn't end in bitterness but in a lifelong, hilarious friendship.
The Everlasting Friendship of Plaza and Cera
The enduring takeaway from Plaza’s story is the profound respect and affection she still holds for Cera. In an industry where breakups are often tabloid fodder, their ability to keep their relationship private for years and then speak about it with such humor and warmth is rare. Plaza’s description of them as "weirdos" who "speak the same language" perfectly encapsulates why their friendship has survived the test of time.
Whether they were eating edibles on a road trip or bailing on a Vegas wedding, the duo remains one of the most interesting pairs in modern Hollywood history. Their "almost" marriage remains a legendary "bit" that, in a way, worked out exactly as intended—giving them a great story to tell for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did Aubrey Plaza and Michael Cera date?
They dated for approximately 18 months after meeting on the set of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World in 2009.
Were Aubrey Plaza and Michael Cera ever actually married?
No. Although they went to a courthouse in Las Vegas with the intent to marry, they bailed before completing the process.
Who is Aubrey Plaza married to now?
Aubrey Plaza is married to director and screenwriter Jeff Baena. They wed in 2021.
Does Michael Cera have children?
Yes, Michael Cera has a son with his wife, Nadine, whom he married in 2017.
Did they work together after their breakup?
Yes, they both returned to voice their original characters in the 2023 Netflix series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.
Conclusion
The story of Aubrey Plaza and Michael Cera's near-miss wedding in Las Vegas serves as a hilarious reminder of the chaotic energy of young adulthood and the unique bonds formed on movie sets. While they never officially became "ex-husband and ex-wife," the intended "bit" has lived on through these delightful interviews, cementing their status as one of Hollywood's most beloved and eccentric platonic pairs. As they both continue to thrive in their respective careers and marriages, the tale of the "too high" Vegas courthouse run remains a quintessential piece of 2010s pop culture lore.
Aubrey Plaza Details Nearly Marrying Michael Cera in Vegas Before They Got 'Too High' and Bailed
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