Cameras started rolling on Netflix's 13 Going on 30 requel this week, and fans of the original film had already delivered their verdict. A chorus of immediate pushback flooded social media, with one widely shared reaction summing up the collective mood: 'Sorry, we didn't ask for this. The original was perfect.'
The frustration taps into a wider fatigue of remaking well-loved classics. 'They really don't need to reboot every little thing', wrote one commenter, while another put it more bluntly still, asking whether anyone in Hollywood has an original idea. For a film as fondly remembered as 13 Going on 30, their tiredness has turned into sharper criticism about the trend of reboots.
Oh good I was worried they would make something original at some point
— frank (@FuzzyPiano1) July 6, 2026
Shaking Up a Millennial Classic
The project, officially billed as a requel rather than a straight remake, brings back the story from the 2004 movie with a new cast led by Emily Bader and Logan Lerman, under director Brett Haley.
A requel sits somewhere between a sequel and a reboot, keeping the original's world and magic wishing dust concept alive while introducing fresh characters and a new generation of stars, similar to the recent Scream movies.
Jennifer Garner, the original's Jenna Rink, is attached as executive producer, giving the whole thing her blessing without stepping in front of the camera herself.
The distinction between a requel and a reboot matters. Netflix is filming the entire production in Los Angeles rather than in cheaper hubs like Atlanta or Vancouver, signalling a level of confidence and budget usually reserved for more popular titles. While others may see it as a mere cash-grab, this project is being treated as a major event.
A Winning Cast and Crew Face an Uphill Battle
What complicates the backlash is that nobody seems to actually dislike Bader and Lerman themselves. Lerman remains a favourite for an entire generation raised on Percy Jackson, while Bader has been building serious momentum, most recently with People We Meet on Vacation.
The frustration is not really about talent at all. It comes down to a simpler, more anxious question echoing through comment sections: why even attempt this when the original already got it so right?
I love both of these actors down but …. why are we doing this? You cannot outshine perfection. And the OG movie is already so, so perfect.
— Kat Pettibone ✌🏻♥️ (@kat__writes) July 6, 2026
Put them in a rom-com with an original script! https://t.co/XxttcbqfWp
Garner's role as an executive producer offers a layer of reassurance that this is project is being approached with care. Plus, Haley, recognized for his emotionally driven and grounded work in films like Hearts Beat Loud and All the Bright Places, is not a director known for producing shallow cash-ins. However, it remains to be seen whether his impressive background can overcome any skepticism surrounding the project.
What Does a Modern Spin Even Look Like
While specific plot details are still under wraps, the requel format allows for creative updates to the original's key elements in the 2026 version. For instance, Matty's physical scrapbook could easily transform into an old phone's camera roll or a forgotten Instagram archive, replacing the nostalgia of cassette tapes with that of early smartphones.
Not everyone is upset about this development; there is a smaller, quieter group that is cautiously intrigued by the potential that new leads could bring to this beloved story.
Currently, the most prominent opinions are coming from the skeptics. How Netflix can transform 'Sorry, we didn't ask for this' into 'Actually, this works' could ultimately shape the legacy of the requel.
