Netflix announces remake of a 2000s rom-com favorite
Netflix is developing a new take on the 2004 romantic comedy 13 Going on 30. The streaming service has cast Emily Bader and Logan Lerman as the leads and tapped director Brett Haley to helm the project. Original film star Jennifer Garner is attached as an executive producer.
Studio statements and project details released so far make clear this will be a modern reimagining rather than a direct sequel: plot specifics beyond the framework familiar to fans of the original are being kept under wraps.
Who’s involved: cast and creative team
- Leads: Emily Bader and Logan Lerman will take on the romantic leads in the reboot.
- Director: Brett Haley, who directed Bader in Netflix’s adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation, is directing the new film.
- Executive producer: Jennifer Garner, who starred in the 2004 original, is onboard as an executive producer.
Brett Haley framed his decision to take on the project with admiration for the source material, saying, “13 Going on 30 is one of those rare, perfect films. 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.”
What the original film was — and what the reboot might revisit
The 2004 original follows Jenna Rink, a thirteen-year-old who wishes to skip ahead to adulthood and wakes up as a thirty-year-old woman. The movie balances comedy, romantic tension, and a coming-of-age emotional core as Jenna learns to reconcile the adult she has become with the girl she once was. Jennifer Garner led the film as Jenna; Mark Ruffalo played the adult Matty, and Judy Greer was part of the supporting cast.
Key facts about the 2004 movie:
- Release date: April 23, 2004
- Runtime: 98 minutes
- Director: Gary Winick
The reboot is expected to draw on the original’s themes—identity, friendship, and romantic connection—while updating the story for a contemporary audience. Beyond that, Netflix has not offered details about how closely the new script will mirror the 2004 film’s plot or whether it will introduce new twists to the magical-time-jump conceit.
Why Emily Bader is a natural fit for the role
Emily Bader has emerged as a notable young talent in romantic comedy and character-driven dramas. Her recent Netflix lead in People We Meet on Vacation demonstrated both her comic timing and emotional range, qualities central to portraying the blend of vulnerability and confidence required for a Jenna-like role. Bader also headlines The 99’ers, in which she portrays soccer star Mia Hamm, further expanding her profile.
Reuniting Bader with director Brett Haley—who guided her performance in People We Meet on Vacation—signals Netflix’s intent to build on an established creative chemistry. Garner’s involvement as an executive producer could also provide continuity and insight from the original production’s leading star.
What’s next: release and availability
Netflix has not announced a release date or production timeline. Additional casting, creative collaborators, and story details have not yet been revealed.
For viewers who want to revisit the original before the reboot arrives, the 2004 film is currently available to stream on Prime Video.
Final note
This reboot joins a broader wave of 2000s-era rom-com revivals and reimaginations on streaming platforms. With a rising young lead, a director who already has a rapport with her, and the original film’s star involved behind the scenes, the project is positioned to attract both nostalgic viewers and new audiences. Stay tuned for official production updates and casting announcements.