Jessica Biel Says ‘7th Heaven’ Reboot Will Tackle Issues Directly

Jessica Biel says a reboot of “7th Heaven” in development at CBS Studios will retain the original series’ family-viewing appeal while addressing issues affecting children and teenagers more directly. Biel is producing the project and does not expect to return onscreen as Mary Camden. Biel described the planned approach during an interview on Collider Ladies Night. She said the series aims to address technology-related issues, school problems, bullying, drugs and alcohol in a more direct way than the original, which she said handled such subjects carefully. The reboot, she added, will keep the original’s focus on family and remain something viewers can watch with their families. The project is in development, with Anthony Sparks attached as showrunner. It is expected to follow a new family rather than the Camdens, and reports describe its cast as diverse. No cast members have been announced, and specific plot details and a premiere date have not been provided. Biel, who played Mary Camden in the original series, said she is concentrating on her role as a producer rather than reprising the character. She also said she hopes to foster a safe, creative and emotionally open...