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It seems some films are simply too good to leave behind in the early 2000s as 13 Going on 30—titled Suddenly 30 in some markets—is getting rebooted. The Jennifer Garner-led romcom that gifted us some of the best on-screen fashion moments (who could forget the Versace mini dress?) is the latest nostalgic favourite set to receive a modern reimagining.
On March 24, Deadline reported that Netflix is rebooting the 2004 classic with People We Meet on Vacation star Emily Bader and The Perks of Being a Wallflower actor Logan Lerman leading the cast. Garner, who made Jenna Rink one of the defining coming-of-age heroines of the decade, is returning, but in a BTS role as an executive producer.
Netflix soon confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: “Thirty, flirty, and thriving… Emily Bader and Logan Lerman will star in 13 Going on 30, a new reboot of the 2004 classic. Executive produced by Jennifer Garner and directed by Brett Haley (People We Meet on Vacation).”
While plenty remains under wraps, here’s everything we know so far.
What will the reboot be about?
For now, Netflix is keeping the plot firmly under lock and key. Deadline reports that story details remain a mystery, making it unclear just how closely the reboot will follow the original.
The 2004 film centred on 13-year-old Jenna Rink, played by Christa B. Allen, who wishes to be “thirty, flirty, and thriving” after an embarrassing incident at her birthday party. Thanks to some “magic dust”, she wakes up as her 30-year-old self, played by Garner, suddenly navigating adulthood as a successful magazine editor in New York. While confronting the choices that shaped her future, she comes to figure out what and who really matters, particularly through her relationship with childhood best friend Matt, played by Mark Ruffalo.
Directing the new film is Brett Haley, with Hannah Marks penning the screenplay. Haley has described the project as a “reimagining” rather than a straightforward remake, leaving room for some creative interpretations.
“13 Going on 30 is one of those rare, perfect films,” Haley said in a statement to Deadline. “Funny, emotional, deeply human, with unforgettable performances from Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, and Judy Greer. I’m a longtime fan, so stepping into this reimagining comes with tremendous responsibility.”
Who will be in the 13 Going on 30 reboot?
Emily Bader, 29, will take on the lead role, with Logan Lerman, 34, cast as her romantic counterpart.
The ensemble has continued to expand throughout production, with Jessica Alba joining the film in July in an undisclosed role, followed by Taylor Ortega, Tim Meadows and Dan Bucatinsky.
Some excitement came for fans when Jennifer Garner and Judy Greer, who memorably played Jenna’s frenemy Lucy Wyman in the original, were photographed filming together in Los Angeles in July 2026. Garner, wearing a floral midi dress, and Greer, in a blue pantsuit, were also seen alongside Bader, fuelling speculation that both original stars will make a cameo.
Another wave of casting announcements followed on July 22, with Owen Thiele, Nasim Pedrad, Supriya Ganesh, Taylor Zakhar Perez, Myra Molloy, Charley McCain, Henry Samiri, Audrina Miranda and Kai Zen all joining the project.
Speaking about the team behind the reboot, Haley said, “Jennifer Garner being on board as an executive producer, after playing such a big part of what made the original special, is especially meaningful. I also couldn’t be more excited to reunite with Emily Bader after People We Meet on Vacation. 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.”
Has filming begun?
Production officially began in Los Angeles in June 2026, with filming now well underway.
When will the 13 Going on 30 reboot be released?
There’s no release date just yet, but with cameras already rolling and casting announcements continuing to arrive, it seems only a matter of time before we get some answers!
