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The dust is settling on Netflix’s upcoming reimagining of the beloved 2004 rom-com 13 Going on 30, which was first confirmed last month. Thanks to recent production listings, casting calls, and tax credit allocations, we have some new details, including when and where it’s filming, plus potential character names and traits.
Story details are still mostly wrapped up at this point, but what we do know is that Netflix is describing it as a “reimagining” rather than a direct 1:1 remake of the original.
As previously confirmed, the new film will star Emily Bader (My Lady Jane) and Logan Lerman (Hunters, The Perks of Being a Wallflower) as the two 30-year-old leads.
According to our sources, the lead character’s name was initially Jenna, but with a modernized family dynamic: in this version, she has two dads, we’re told.
Now, Netflix is actively casting for two 13-year-old supporting roles, suggesting we now know the updated names of the two characters (these can often change or be codenames), given that they’re looking for younger versions of our leads, and you can probably guess how old they need to be! They also provide some insights into the new characters:
Grace Fischer (13)
“Bright and ambitious, Grace is reeling from falling out of the popular crowd and quietly desperate to find her way back in. She masks her insecurity with charm and effort, constantly adjusting herself to fit what she thinks people want. A talented dancer and confident presence on camera, but in her personal life, she’s far more anxious…”
Ollie Brown (13)
“Observant and introspective, Ollie prefers to engage with the world from behind a camera rather than participate in the social dynamics of his peers. A music snob with strong opinions, he genuinely doesn’t care what others think. Intelligent and perceptive, he shows little interest in conforming or seeking approval…”
The casting call specifically notes that whoever lands the roles of young Grace and Ollie will need to be a close physical match to their adult counterparts of Bader and Lerman.
Production Dates and a Massive California Tax Credit
The production, operating under RK Films and Netflix Sunset, LLC, will film entirely in Los Angeles. Cameras are slated to roll starting June 23, 2026, with a projected wrap date of August 11, 2026.
The film recently landed on the California Film Commission’s approved projects list for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, securing a hefty tax credit allocation that gives us a glimpse into the scale of the production.
Netflix has been allocated a $10,904,000 tax credit for the film, based on $31,243,000 in qualified expenditures.
During its 35 days of in-state filming, the production is expected to be a major job creator for the local industry. The tax data reveals the project will hire:
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50 Cast Members
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300 Crew Members
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1,840 Background Players (in days worked)
With a finalized script, a locked creative team, and leading stars attached, we expect more casting news to drop shortly as the June 23 start date approaches.
Behind the Camera: Jennifer Garner Returns as Executive Producer
Fans of the original film will be thrilled to see Jennifer Garner attached to the project as an Executive Producer, alongside original producers Susan Arnold and Donna Roth.
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Director: Brett Haley (All the Bright Places, Hearts Beat Loud)
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Writers: Hannah Marks and Flora Greeson
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Producers: Joe Roth, Jeff Kirschenbaum
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Executive Producers: Jennifer Garner, Alyssa Altman, Donna Roth, Susan Arnold, Scott Hemming, Hannah Marks
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Director of Photography: Rob Givens
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Line Producer: Ted Gidlow
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Casting: Carla Hool
Are you looking forward to the movie 13 Going on 30 on Netflix? Let us know in the comments. For more movies heading into production soon, keep it locked here on What’s on Netflix.
