13 Going On 30 Is Being Rebooted, But Where Is the Original Cast Now?
13 Going on 30 is a classic, feel-good movie — perfect for all the girlypops out there who are feeling a little nostalgic for Y2K vibes.
Since its release in 2004, the film has definitely stood the test of time, but in an age of reboots, a remake was probably inevitable. The upcoming movie is set to be directed by Brett Haley, who most recently directed the rom-com People We Meet on Vacation, while Emily Bader and Logan Lerman will lead the cast. However, the best bit of news is that the film’s original star, Jennifer Garner, will be involved as an executive producer.
That means we can expect what Haley describes to Deadline as a “reimagining” to not just bring 13 Going on 30 to a new audience, but also serve as a love letter to the OG. All we need is wishing dust to make the movie come out faster! In the meantime, let’s catch up with the original cast and see what they’re up to these days. Use the guide at the end to find and watch our recommendations of the best work.
Jennifer Garner (Jenna Rink)
Jennifer Garner, who, of course, played 13 Going on 30 lead protagonist Jenna Rink, got her start as Agent Sydney Bristow in the TV show Alias before moving on to the big screen in flicks like Juno, Valentine’s Day, and Dallas Buyers Club. She also starred as Elektra in the Daredevil movie, and later reprised her role in her own standalone film before appearing again in Deadpool & Wolverine.
One to Watch: Deadpool & Wolverine is one of those films you can watch time and time again.
Mark Ruffalo (Matt Flamhaff)
Since starring opposite Garner as love interest Matt Flamhaff, Mark Ruffalo has been very booked and busy over the years. He played twins in the TV show I Know This Much Is True, and also appeared in Foxcatcher, Spotlight, The Kids Are All Right, and Poor Things — all of which earned him Oscar nominations. Of course, he’s also central to the MCU as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, having appeared in all of the Avengers movies and several other MCU projects.
One to Watch: Ruffalo was, in my opinion, robbed of an Oscar for his performance in Poor Things.
Judy Greer (Lucy Wyman)
Judy Greer, aka Jenna’s bestie Lucy Wyman, is like McKenna Grace for grown-ups. Since 13 Going on 30, she’s kept popping up in blockbuster franchises, including the MCU (specifically in Ant-Man and Ant-Man and the Wasp), Jurassic World, and War for the Planet of the Apes, along with its sequel. She also voiced Cheryl Tunt in Archer, so if you haven’t seen her, you’ve probably heard her.
One to Watch: As well as being critically acclaimed, Archer has won multiple Emmys.
Andy Serkis (Richard Kneeland)
With his distinctive voice and rich history in motion capture-based roles, Andy Serkis – who played Jenna’s magazine boss – is an acclaimed actor and more recently, director. His mo-cap parts include Gollum in the Lord of the Rings films, Supreme Leader Snoke in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, King Kong in the movie of the same name and Caesar in the Planet of the Apes movies. He also returned to the Star Wars universe in a live-action role as Kino Loy in Andor.
One to Watch: While Gollum is widely considered to be Serkis’ career-defining role (and one he’s returning to, albeit behind the camera), Snoke’s fate in The Last Jedi will always be a jaw-dropping moment for me.
Sam Ball (Alex Carlson)
Apart from 13 Going on 30, Sam Ball (aka Jenna’s boyfriend Alex) has appeared in movies like The Pact, Pumpkin, and The Last Castle. He also featured in the TV show The Event, where he played Aaron.
One to Watch: In The Last Castle, fellow 13 Going on 30 star Mark Ruffalo also appears.
Lynn Collins (Wendy)
Lynn Collins, who plays Matt’s fiancée, has appeared in several TV series, such as Bosch, Manhunt: Unabomber and True Blood. Most famously, though, she played Leah in The Walking Dead.
One to Watch: The Walking Dead remains a pop culture phenomenon.
Christa B Allen (Young Jenna)
Christa B Allen, who played Young Jenna, is probably best known these days for her role as Charlotte Clarke in the TV series Revenge. In an unusual twist of fate, Allen once again played a younger version of Jennifer Garner in the movie Ghosts of Girlfriends’ Past.
One to Watch: Entertainment Weekly once described Revenge as “TV’s greatest guilty pleasure.”
Sean Marquette (Young Matt)
Sean Marquette, who played a young Mark Ruffalo, has lent his voice to several TV shows, most notably voicing Mac on Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. IRL, he is best known for his recurring role as Johnny Atkins in The Goldbergs and its spin-off, Schooled.
One to Watch: Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends is one of my childhood favourites.
Ashley Benson (Six Chick)
It might have been a ‘blink-and-you-miss-it’ moment, but Ashley Benson played one of the Six Chicks antagonising Jenna. Coincidentally, in Pretty Little Liars, she also antagonises a character named Jenna. While Pretty Little Liars made Benson a household name, she is also in Pixels and Spring Breakers.
One to Watch: Few shows are as addictive as Pretty Little Liars.
Brie Larson (Six Chic)
Yes, Brie Larson was also a Six Chic. Along with a supporting role in 21 Jump Street, Larson appeared as Envy Adams in Scott Pilgrim vs the World, and later reprised this role for the animated Scott Pilgrim series. She also bagged an Oscar for her lead role in the dramatic film Room, but is best known these days as the MCU’s Captain Marvel.
One to Watch: Contrary to popular opinion, I think The Marvels is a fun movie.
