Netflix Announces Reboot of ’13 Going on 30′ Starring Emily Bader and Logan Lerman; Jennifer Garner to Produce
For fans of the nostalgic rom-com, Netflix is bringing back the beloved film “13 Going on 30″—a treat for those who fondly remember dancing to Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” or enjoying Razzles. This reboot promises to capture the essence of the original while introducing new talent.
Executive Producer and New Cast
Jennifer Garner, who originally portrayed the endearing Jenna Rink, is returning to the project as an executive producer. In the upcoming film, Emily Bader and Logan Lerman will take on central roles, with Brett Haley directing; he recently directed Netflix’s adaptation of Emily Henry’s popular novel “People We Met on Vacation,” which also featured Bader.
Haley expressed his admiration for the original film, stating, “’13 Going on 30′ is one of those unique, flawless films. It’s humorous, emotional, and profoundly relatable, showcasing unforgettable performances from the likes of Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, and Judy Greer.” Notably, Ruffalo played Jenna’s awkward yet charming best friend, and Greer portrayed her competitive frenemy. “Taking on this reimagining is a significant responsibility, especially with Jennifer Garner’s involvement as an executive producer, given her integral role in making the original so memorable,” he added.
Excitement and Collaboration
Haley also shared his enthusiasm about working with Bader again, complimenting her chemistry with Lerman: “The two of them form a fantastic duo. I feel incredibly privileged to handle a project that resonates so deeply with audiences worldwide.”
After the notable success of “People We Met on Vacation,” which held a place in Netflix’s global Top 10 for four consecutive weeks and ranked in the top 10 across 92 countries, Bader has been cast in the upcoming sports drama “The 99’ers.” In this film, she will depict U.S. women’s soccer icon Mia Hamm, exploring the journey leading to the team’s groundbreaking 1999 World Cup victory.
Logan Lerman’s Recent Work
Logan Lerman boasts an extensive film career, featuring roles in titles like “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” and “We Were the Lucky Ones.” His most recent projects include a starring role in the dark comedy “Oh, Hi!” directed by Sophie Brooks, as well as an appearance in the fifth season of Hulu’s popular series “Only Murders in the Building,” alongside Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez.
Creative Team Behind the Reboot
The screenplay for the reboot is penned by Hannah Marks, known for her work on “Mark, Mary, & Some Other People” and “After Everything,” with revisions contributed by Flora Greeson, recognized for her roles in “The Princess Diaries 3” and “The High Note.” Although the specific plot details remain under wraps, fans are eagerly anticipating the new take on this classic story.
Production for “13 Going on 30” will be overseen by Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum under RK Films. Along with Jennifer Garner, the executive producer team includes Donna Roth, Susan Arnold, Scott Hemming for Revolution Studios, Alyssa Altman for RK Films, and Marks.
Representation and Industry Insights
The creative team is well-represented in the industry: Bader is represented by CAA, Untitled Entertainment, Viewpoint, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher. Lerman’s representation includes UTA, Brillstein, and Viewpoint, while Haley is supported by WME, Untitled, and McKuin Frankel Whitehead.
Greeson is repped by UTA, Kaplan Perrone, and Yorn Levine, while Marks has representation through UTA, Circle Management and Production, Untitled, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher. Garner is represented by CAA, Linden Entertainment, and the Lede Company, along with attorneys Jason Sloane and Harris Hartman of Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.
Industry Reactions
Initial reports regarding the reboot were first made public by Deadline, sparking curiosity and excitement among fans. The revival of such a cherished film is anticipated to attract both nostalgic viewers and a new generation of fans.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, the news about household spending on video services remains flat at $69 per month, indicating that while audiences are eager for new content, they are also adjusting to the changing market with ad-supported options gaining popularity.
Future Prospects
With this reboot of “13 Going on 30,” Netflix aims to blend nostalgia with contemporary storytelling, potentially creating a fresh yet familiar experience for viewers. The involvement of original cast members and a talented new team suggests that this adaptation could resonate with audiences, reigniting interest in the beloved tale.