Jessica Biel outlines plans to update ‘7th Heaven’ reboot
Biel will serve as an executive producer rather than return as Mary Camden, the character she played in the original series.
Jessica Biel says the planned reboot of 7th Heaven will tackle technology, bullying, school, drugs and alcohol with a more direct approach than the original family drama. In an interview with Collider, the actress and executive producer said the aim is to reflect issues facing teenagers and families with children of different ages.
Biel said the team wants to preserve the show's appeal as something families can watch together while approaching difficult subjects with fewer restrictions. She described the original series as having addressed those topics gently, with limits shaped by its audience's expectations.
Discussing her work as a producer, Biel emphasized creating a protected environment where cast and crew can communicate openly. She said that support matters when actors are giving emotionally vulnerable performances.
Biel is not returning as Mary Camden. The original drama ran for 11 seasons and centered on Protestant minister Eric Camden, his wife Annie and their seven children in Glen Oak, California. Biel had a starring role during its first six seasons before making less frequent appearances.
