In a time rife with reboots, sequels and remakes, another classic from the golden age of rom-coms is set to be redone. Netflix has confirmed a reboot of 13 Going on 30 is in the works, with the lead actors locked and the star of the original 2004 flick onboard as an executive producer.
In a post on Instagram on Tuesday, Netflix announced the project and confirmed Emily Bader — of People We Meet on Vacation fame — has been cast as the main character. Logan Lerman of The Perks of Being a Wallflower will be cast alongside her — supposedly as the dorky best friend/love interest, if the script follows the original.
13 Going on 30 is the story of 13-year-old Jenna Rink in 1987 who wishes she could be “30, flirty and thriving” in the aftermath of a particularly embarrassing birthday party. With the universe more than happy to oblige, she wakes up the next day as a magazine editor in 2004.
Jennifer Garner, who played 30-year-old Rink, has been brought onboard as one of the reboot’s executive producers Brett Haley is set to direct the film. He earlier worked with Bader on People We Meet on Vacation.
In a statement to Deadline, the director said, “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.”
He added, “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.”
No further details about the plot have been released so far. The script is penned by Hannah Marks, with input from Flora Greeson of the upcoming Princess Diaries movie.