Netflix Confirms Reboot of an Iconic 2000s Movie (But Fans Would Rather Have a Sequel)

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Netflix regularly adapts popular franchises, including shows and movies like One Piece, Wednesday, Assassin’s Creed, Magic: The Gathering, and Scooby-Doo. Now, they’re working on another beloved property: a remake of a well-known film from the 2000s. While some fans are excited about the reboot, many would prefer to see a continuation of the original story instead.

Netflix is bringing back the popular 2004 romantic comedy, 13 Going On 30, with a fresh take on the story. Jennifer Garner, who starred in the original alongside Mark Ruffalo, will executive produce this new version. Emily Bader and Logan Lerman will take on the lead roles, and Brett Haley is set to direct.

Emily Bader and Logan Lerman are set to star in a remake of the beloved 2004 film, 13 Going on 30. Jennifer Garner, who starred in the original, will executive produce, and Brett Haley (known for People We Meet on Vacation) is directing.

— netflix⁷ (@netflix) March 24, 2026

What To Expect From 13 Going On 30 Reboot, And Would A Sequel Have Been Better?

The new project will essentially remake the original movie, with Bader taking on the role originally played by Garner and Lerman stepping into Ruffalo’s shoes. However, many fans of the original wonder if a sequel would have been a better approach, considering its continued popularity.

Okay, so if you haven’t seen 13 Going On 30, it’s about this girl, Jenna, who’s 13 and feels totally lost. After a rough birthday, she wishes she could fast-forward to being 30, successful, and having it all together. Through a little bit of magic from a dollhouse her best friend Matty gives her, that wish actually comes true! She wakes up as a grown-up, but quickly realizes being 30 isn’t quite what she expected, and things get even more complicated when she reconnects with Matty.

The third act of the story is full of drama. She unexpectedly appears at Matty’s wedding and tells him how she truly feels, desperately trying to explain that she’s changed. Although Matty admits he’s always loved her and still does, he feels it’s too late to pursue a relationship after all this time.

He gives her the dollhouse he originally made for her birthday, and when the magic dust takes effect, Jenna finds herself back at her thirteenth birthday party. There, she kisses Matty after he comforts her when she’s upset, and the movie shows they stayed together ever since. We eventually see Jenna and Matty, now married, moving into a new house that closely resembles the dollhouse Matty built for her years ago.

Given how the story ended, it’s easy to see why viewers would want a sequel – either continuing right after the original or jumping ahead in time. One idea could be to introduce a new generation and let the children have their own adventures, perhaps with their parents along for the ride as older characters. Another possibility, inspired by the Freaky Friday sequel, would be to reverse the ages – Jenna and Matty become younger, and the kids become adults. Alternatively, the story could explore what would happen if different choices were made, creating alternate timelines for any member of the family.

Although there won’t be a follow-up to the original, it’s great that Jennifer Garner is participating, and the actors announced so far are fantastic, giving us plenty to look forward to. We expect to hear more details soon, and Netflix has definitely caught our attention with this announcement.

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2026-03-24 23:43