Columbia Pictures is moving forward with a reboot of romcom classic “13 Going on 30”, with Emily Bader and Logan Lerman attached to star. The project revisits the time slip romantic comedy that has remained a staple of early 2000s nostalgia – this time for Netflix.
The original film, directed by Gary Winick, followed 13-year-old Jenna Rink, who after a humiliating birthday wish wakes up as her 30-year-old self, played by Jennifer Garner. Now an editor at a major fashion magazine, Jenna navigates adulthood with a teenager’s mindset while reconnecting with her childhood best friend Matt Flamhaff, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo. The cast also featured Judy Greer as frenemy Lucy Wyman and Andy Serkis in a supporting role.
In the reboot, Bader is expected to take on the Jenna role, while Lerman will play her adult love interest, a reimagined version of Matt. Plot specifics are being kept under wraps, though the studio is said to be updating the story’s framework to reflect contemporary themes around ambition, identity and digital-era relationships.
Released in 2004, the original film earned over $96 million globally and built a lasting reputation through home viewing and streaming. Its blend of fantasy, romance and coming-of-age storytelling helped it evolve into a cult favorite, frequently cited among the most beloved romantic comedies of its era. Garner’s performance, along with the film’s iconic moments — including the “Thriller” dance sequence — continue to resonate with audiences.
Bader is no stranger to romcoms, having gained prominence with titles such as Amazon Prime’s “My Lady Jane” and another Netflix hit, “People We Meet on Vacation.” Meanwhile, Lerman is best known for starring in two “Percy Jackson” fantasy adventure movies and the coming-of-age cult classic “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.”
With Bader and Lerman leading a new generation take, the studio is banking on a property that has maintained cultural relevance for two decades, continuing Hollywood’s fascination with repackaging timeless stories with built-in audiences.