Remember being 13 and wishing you could fast-forward to adulthood? If you grew up on 13 Going on 30, you’re now living in Jenna Rink’s shoes — solidly in your 30s (or pushing 40) and probably feeling some very big feelings about this news.
Netflix is rebooting the 2004 romantic comedy that defined a generation’s idea of growing up, and the internet is doing exactly what you’d expect: having an emotional meltdown in both directions.
Before you panic, here’s the detail that matters most: Jennifer Garner, who made Jenna Rink an icon in the original film, is on board as executive producer. She’s not stepping back into the role, but she’s helping steer the ship — and that should count for something.
What to Know About the ’13 Going on 30′ Reboot
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but here’s the lineup. Emily Bader will star in the lead role, with Logan Lerman as her romantic counterpart.
The film will be directed by Brett Haley, working from a screenplay written by Hannah Marks, with revisions by Flora Greeson.
Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum will produce for RK Films, with additional executive producers including Donna Roth, Susan Arnold, Scott Hemming (Revolution Studios), Alyssa Altman (RK Films), and Hannah Marks.
Haley isn’t approaching this lightly.
“13 Going on 30 is one of those rare, perfect films,” Haley said, per Deadline. “Funny, emotional, deeply human, with unforgettable performances.
“I’m a longtime fan, so stepping into this reimagining comes with tremendous responsibility,” he added.
Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images
Haley also emphasized what Garner’s involvement means for the project’s credibility.
“Jennifer Garner being on board as an executive producer, after playing such a big part of what made the original special, is especially meaningful,” Haley added, per Deadline.
The New Leads: Do They Pass the Vibe Check?
Bader and Haley previously worked together on Netflix’s People We Meet on Vacation, an adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel.
That film spent four weeks on Netflix’s global Top 10 movies list and reached the Top 10 in 92 countries, per Deadline.
“I also couldn’t be more excited to reunite with Emily Bader after People We Meet on Vacation,” Haley said, per Deadline.
“She and the amazingly talented Logan Lerman are a magical pairing. I feel incredibly lucky to be trusted with something that means so much to so many people.”
Bader was also cast as soccer legend Mia Hamm in the upcoming Netflix sports drama The 99’ers, based on the book The Girls of Summer by Jeré Longman, and previously starred in Prime Video’s My Lady Jane and the mob drama Fresh Kills.
Lerman, meanwhile, brings a résumé that should ring a few millennial bells. His filmography includes Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and We Were the Lucky Ones.
His most recent credits include the dark comedy Oh, Hi!, directed by Sophie Brooks, which Sony Pictures Classics acquired after its Sundance premiere, and a role in Season 5 of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, alongside Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez.
The Original ’13 Going on 30′ Legacy
The original 13 Going on 30 was released by Columbia Pictures in April 2004, directed by Gary Winick.
It starred Garner as Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old who magically wakes up as her 30-year-old self. Mark Ruffalo played Matt, her geeky best friend and eventual love interest, and Judy Greer played Lucy, Jenna’s lifelong frenemy.
The film grossed around $96 million worldwide at the box office and saw major success on home video, according to Deadline.
It has remained a cultural touchstone for decades, and a stage musical adaptation, executive produced by Garner and directed by Andy Fickman, world premiered at the Manchester Opera House in September.
Whether or not we need this reboot, it’s coming — and with Garner watching over it, there’s at least reason to hope the magic translates.
