Taking on a new version of 13 Going on 30 comes with the expectations of fans who grew up loving Jennifer Garner’s performance. But for Emily Bader, the original star’s advice offered a welcome opportunity to relax and enjoy the experience.
Speaking with HOLA at The 2026 Airbnb.org Gala in Los Angeles on October 28, Bader shared how Garner helped her approach the project with confidence. Rather than giving her a list of instructions for recreating her performance, Garner encouraged her to embrace the experience.
© Chloe KernBader recalled that Garner’s advice was to have the best summer of her life. Looking back on filming, she said that was exactly how it turned out.
You know, they always say, don’t meet your heroes. Meet Jennifer Garner.
Jennifer Garner’s support helped Emily find her own approach:
For Bader, an admirer of the original movie, stepping into its world meant balancing affection for Garner’s performance with the desire to bring something of herself to the new film.
© Carlo AllegriShe acknowledged the challenge of following an actress whose work she holds in such high regard. But Garner’s encouragement helped her feel comfortable making the role her own and trusting her instincts.
That support also came through in the way Garner interacted with people on set. Bader recalled her connecting with crew members who had worked on the original film, remembering them and sharing stories.
© Amy SussmanShe gave me so much support and made me feel like I could make it my own and sort of follow my own instincts with it.
Seeing those relationships firsthand made the experience feel particularly special and gave Bader confidence as she approached her own work.
Her account offered a warm picture of the connection between the two actresses, with Garner helping the new leading lady enjoy the opportunity while giving her room to find her own interpretation.
What fans can expect from the new ‘13 Going on 30’:
Bader was more guarded when it came to revealing details about the movie itself. Asked what audiences could expect, she explained that she did not want to give too much away.
She did, however, point to how much has changed in the more than two decades since the original film, particularly when considering the experience of being a 13-year-old girl today.
That observation offers a hint at how the new version could approach its familiar premise through a contemporary lens, while Bader’s enthusiasm made clear how much the original means to her.
© New York Daily News ArchiveFor now, the most personal insight came from her experience behind the scenes. With Garner’s encouragement, a potentially intimidating assignment became a summer Bader remembers fondly, and an opportunity to follow her own instincts with the original star’s support.
