13 Going On 30′ Reboot Casts Jessica Alba (EXCLUSIVE)

The ’13 Going on 30’ Reboot Is Filming Now with Emily Bader and Logan Lerman in the Roles Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo Made Famous

Netflix is producing a reimagining of the 2004 romantic comedy 13 Going on 30, with Jessica Alba joining a cast that includes Emily Bader, Logan Lerman, and Adeline Rudolph. Production began in Los Angeles in June 2026, with original star Jennifer Garner serving as an executive producer on the project. While the film is a reimagining of the 2004 classic, Netflix is not treating the project as a shot-for-shot remake.

Production Status and Creative Direction

Cameras began rolling on the new project in Los Angeles on June 23, 2026, under the working title Authentic. The production is currently scheduled for approximately 35 days of principal photography, with a wrap targeted for August 11, 2026. The production pulled a California tax credit of about $10.9 million against $31.2 million in qualified spending.

The film is being directed by Brett Haley, who previously helmed the Netflix rom-com People We Meet on Vacation, which also starred Emily Bader and spent four weeks on the platform’s Global Top 10 list. The script was written by Hannah Marks, with revisions provided by Flora Greeson.

Casting and Character Updates

The latest addition to the ensemble is Jessica Alba, who Deadline reported exclusively has signed on to join Bader, Lerman, and Adeline Rudolph. Specific details regarding Alba’s role and the film’s logline remain under wraps. Reps for Netflix declined to comment on the casting.

The new film serves as a modern update to the original story. In the 2004 version, Jennifer Garner played Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old who magically wakes up as her 30-year-old self and must navigate adulthood while rediscovering who she really is. Christa B. Allen played the teen version of the character, while Garner starred opposite Mark Ruffalo in the film directed by Gary Winick. Updates to the new iteration include a change to the lead character’s name to Grace Fischer, who is now depicted as having two dads.

Jennifer Garner’s Transition to Producer

Jennifer Garner, who starred alongside Mark Ruffalo in the 2004 film, is involved in the reboot strictly as an executive producer. During the Los Angeles premiere of The Five Star Weekend on July 8, 2026, she expressed her support for the new cast, specifically noting her impressions of the lead actress. That little Emily, she’s adorable, Garner told E! News’ Erin Lim Rhodes.

Garner also reflected on the legacy of the original film’s director, Gary Winick, who died of brain cancer after the production of the 2004 film wrapped. “I feel like the legacy of our director Gary Winick, who died of brain cancer after we wrapped that movie, [continues],” Garner said. “It just makes me so happy.”

Despite her executive producer role, Garner confirmed that she does not have intimate knowledge of how the plot has been altered for the new version. “I don’t really know what it’s going to be,” she admitted. “But I think people will have a blast watching it.”

Release Window and Franchise Context

While no official release date has been set by Netflix, the original 2004 film, which was released by Columbia Pictures, grossed approximately $96 million in theaters worldwide and achieved major success on home video. The film has endured for decades as a cultural touchstone, making a reboot inevitable. Amid development on this film, Garner recently exec produced a stage musical adaptation, directed by Andy Fickman, which world premiered at the Manchester Opera House last fall.

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