Time flies, but Spy Kids endure. Join us as we revisit the enchanting world of espionage with 8 captivating then-and-now glimpses of the iconic cast. The 2001 action comedy not only defied box office expectations but also launched the careers of Alexa PenaVega and Daryl Sabara, the dynamic duo at the heart of this family film.
Follow Carmen and Juni Cortez on their thrilling mission to rescue their superstar parents, as we unveil the twists in their careers post-Spy Kids success. From box office triumphs to animated TV shows and a recent Netflix reboot, the Spy Kids legacy persists. Get ready for a nostalgic adventure, exploring the present lives of the cast who once brought espionage magic to the silver screen.
#1. Alexa PenaVega
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PenaVega, the iconic Carmen Cortez from Spy Kids, continued her successful journey in the Entertainment world. Beyond the Spy Kids franchise, she graced films like Sleepover and Machete Kills, showcasing her versatile talent. On TV, she made memorable appearances in Ruby & the Rockits, Nashville, and even took on the challenge of Dancing With the Stars in 2015. Her voice brought life to Carlota in The Casagrandes from 2019 to 2022.
Notably, she tied the knot with Carlos Pena Jr. in 2014, expanding their shared legacy in Hallmark movies and welcoming three children—Ocean, Kingston, and Rio. The PenaVega family joyously announced the arrival of baby No. 4 in November 2023.
#2. Daryl Sabara
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Sabara, our favorite little brother Juni Cortez from Spy Kids, transitioned into a successful career with notable voice roles in shows like Ultimate Spider-Man and Marvel’s Avengers Assemble. His on-screen appearances extended to shows such as Wizards of Waverly Place and Criminal Minds.
In 2010, Sabara joined forces with the Spy Kids team for the first Machete movie. Personal life brought happiness as he married Meghan Trainor in 2018, celebrating the arrival of sons Riley in 2021 and Barry in 2023.
#3. Alan Cumming
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Cumming, the menacing Fegan Floop in Spy Kids, continued his versatile career by reprising the role in its sequels. The Tony Award winner expanded his filmography with notable works like Reefer Madness, Burlesque, and The Tempest. From 2016 to 2021, he graced The Good Wife as Eli Gold, showcasing his TV prowess in shows like Web Therapy, Broad City, and Schmigadoon! Besides acting, Cumming is an accomplished author with two memoirs, a novel, and two children's books to his name.
Adding to his repertoire, he hosts the Traitors competition show for Peacock. In 2012, Cumming tied the knot with illustrator Grant Shaffer, following a civil union ceremony five years prior.
#4. Antonio Banderas
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Banderas, the patriarch of Gregorio Cortez in Spy Kids, is a heartthrob recognized for iconic roles in films like The Mask of Zorro and as the voice of Puss in Boots in Shrek. A frequent collaborator with Rodriguez, Banderas starred in Desperado, Four Rooms, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and Machete Kills.
The Interview With the Vampire actor received his first Oscar nomination in 2020 for Pain and Glory, directed by Pedro Almodóvar. Banderas, who was previously married to Melanie Griffith until 2015, shares a daughter Stella with her and is also the stepfather of Dakota Johnson, Griffith's daughter with ex-husband Don Johnson.
#5. Carla Gugino
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Gugino, portraying Ingrid, the mother of Carmen and Juni and wife to Gregorio in Spy Kids, continued her successful career with roles in Night at the Museum, Watchmen, American Gangster, and Sin City in collaboration with Rodriguez.
On the small screen, she made significant appearances in Netflix horror projects like The Haunting of Hill House, Gerald's Game, and The Haunting of Bly Manor. The Sucker Punch actress has been in a relationship with Sebastián Gutiérrez since 1996.
#6. Cheech Marin
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The comedian, portraying OSS agent Felix Gumm in Spy Kids, continued his role in the first two sequels. Marin expanded his film credits with appearances in Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Christmas With the Kranks, Machete, Coco, and Cars 3.
On television, he made notable appearances in Grey's Anatomy, Lost, Jane the Virgin, and Home Economics. Marin shares a child with ex-wife Darlene Morley, who divorced in 1984, and has two children with ex-wife Patti Held. In 2009, he tied the knot with pianist Natasha Rubin.
#7. Danny Trejo
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The action star played Isador "Machete" Cortez, the real uncle of Carmen and Juni in Spy Kids. This character later became the focus of two films directed by Robert Rodriguez: 2010's Machete and the 2013 sequel Machete Kills. His extensive filmography includes The Devil's Rejects, Halloween, Bullets of Justice, and Dora and the Lost City of Gold.
The Breaking Bad alum has also made appearances in TV shows such as Angie Tribeca, The Flash, Blue Bloods, and What We Do in the Shadows. The Desperado star shares a son, Danny, with ex Diana Walton and has a son, Gilbert, and a daughter, Danielle, with ex Maeve Crommie.
#8. George Clooney
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The A-lister had a cameo as Devlin, the OSS leader who later turned U.S. president, in Spy Kids. One year after the film, the ER alum made his directorial debut with Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. Following his reprisal of Devlin in Spy Kids 3-D, he starred in Ocean's Twelve, Michael Clayton, The American, Up in the Air, Gravity, and more.
Clooney won an Oscar in 2006 for his performance in Syriana and is set to reunite with Julia Roberts in 2022's Ticket to Paradise. The Golden Globe winner married lawyer Amal Clooney in 2014, and the couple welcomed twins Ella and Alexander in 2017.
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