Netflix Reboots a Beloved 2004 Movie as Logan Lerman Joins the Cast

written by Craig Ellison

March 24, 2026 4:29 pm

Netflix Reboots a Beloved 2004 Movie as Logan Lerman Joins the Cast — Image credit: Legion-Media

Netflix is rebooting 2004 rom-com 13 Going on 30, reviving the overnight glow-up fantasy for a new generation with Logan Lerman and more joining the cast.

Well, brace yourself: Netflix is officially bringing back '13 Going on 30.' Yep, that movie where a 13-year-old suddenly jumps to her 30-year-old self overnight (with all those questionable early-2000s fashion choices) is getting the reboot treatment. You probably saw the original starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo—if you somehow missed it, don't worry, there are plenty of ways to catch up. But this new version? It’s shaping up to be pretty different, even if the core idea stays the same.

New Cast, New Crew, Same Awkward Premise

Let’s get right to the names. Instead of Garner, the lead roles will now be played by Logan Lerman (you might remember him from 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower') and Emily Bader, who starred in 'People We Meet on Vacation.' It’s an interesting duo—definitely a fresh take compared to the original cast, but both have serious rom-com potential.

Speaking of Jennifer Garner, she’s not vanishing from the project altogether—she’s behind the scenes as executive producer this time. That says a lot about how Netflix seems to be treating the reboot: not just a cash-in, but something closer to a passion project.

Hollywood Musical Chairs: Who's Doing What?

Director: Brett Haley, who actually worked with Emily Bader on ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ (apparently Netflix likes to keep things in the family).
Writers: Hannah Marks wrote the first version of the script, with revisions coming from Flora Greeson.
Producers: Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum are the main producers. Executive producers include Donna Roth, Susan Arnold, Scott Hemming, Alyssa Altman, and Hannah Marks—and, yes, Jennifer Garner herself.

For Those Who Need a Refresher: What Was the Original Again?

Here’s the gist: the original movie dropped in 2004 and followed Jenna, a socially exhausted junior high kid who wakes up in her thirties after wishing for a more glamorous, grown-up life. Surprise—being an adult isn’t quite the dream she imagined; turns out, there are bills, baggage, and, well, Mark Ruffalo hanging around in bad sweaters.

Director Chimes In (and Gushes, a Little)

'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. ...Jennifer Garner being on board as executive producer, after playing such a big part in what made the original special, is especially meaningful. I also couldn’t be more excited to reunite with Emily Bader... 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.'

Okay, that’s a lot of dust to kick up for a reboot, but at least he gets that he's got big shoes to fill.

What’s Next (and Where to Watch the Old One)

No release date yet on the new '13 Going on 30.' Netflix is clearly taking its time, maybe hoping to avoid the usual reboot flops that hit streaming platforms every other week.

If you’re feeling nostalgic or just never got around to watching the original, you can actually stream it right now for free on Kanopy and Hoopla.

So, will the reboot be a win or is this just Hollywood digging deep in the nostalgia bin? Hard to say, but with the original star actually involved behind the scenes, this one might—might—have a shot at not embarrassing itself.