Where Are They Now? Catching Up with the 'Spy Kids' Cast: Alexa PenaVega, Antonio Banderas, and More

Director Robert Rodriguez exceeded box-office predictions with his family movie Spy Kids. Starring Antonio Banderas, Danny Trejo, and Cheech Marin, this action comedy from 2001 is renowned for catapulting Alexa PenaVega and Daryl Sabara into stardom as the main child characters.

The movie follows Carmen Cortez (PenaVega) and her brother, Juni (Sabara), as they attempt to rescue their famous parents (Banderas and Carla Gugino) from the evil plans of Fegan Floop (Alan Cumming), the host of a popular children's TV show.

With a box office revenue of almost $150 million, Spy Kids gave rise to three sequels: Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams, Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over, and Spy Kids: All the Time in the World. Additionally, it inspired a 2018 animated TV show called Spy Kids: Mission Critical.

Scroll down to discover what the original cast of Spy Kids has been doing since the film's premiere in 2001.

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'Spy Kids' Cast: Where Are They Now? Alexa PenaVega, Antonio Banderas and More

Director Robert Rodriguez smashed box-office expectations with his family film Spy Kids.

Rodriguez's frequent collaborators Antonio Banderas, Danny Trejo, and Cheech Marin are featured in this 2001 action comedy. The film, which also served as a launch pad for the careers of Alexa PenaVega and Daryl Sabara, follows Carmen Cortez (PenaVega) and her brother, Juni (Sabara), as they embark on a mission to rescue their superstar parents (Banderas and Carla Gugino) from the evil plans of Fegan Floop (Alan Cumming), the host of a children's TV show.

Spy Kids, which earned close to $150 million at the box office, led to the creation of three sequels - Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams, Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over, and Spy Kids: All the Time in the World - along with a 2018 animated TV show titled Spy Kids: Mission Critical.

A new version of the film series premiered on Netflix in September 2023, featuring Gina Rodriguez and Zachary Levi as the spy parents. Connor Esterson and Everly Carganilla portrayed the young adventurers.

Keep scrolling to see what the cast of the original Spy Kids has been up to since the film's 2001 premiere.

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Alexa PenaVega

PenaVega portrayed one of the main characters, Carmen Cortez, in the film. She later acted in other movies such as Sleepover and Repo! The Genetic Opera, reuniting with her Spy Kids director for Machete Kills in 2013. Her television credits include Ruby & the Rockits and Nashville, and she also competed on Dancing With the Stars in 2015. From 2019 to 2022, she provided the voice for Carlota in The Casagrandes. PenaVega also stayed committed to the Spy Kids franchise, starring in all three of the sequels.

In 2014, PenaVega married Carlos Pena Jr., who subsequently took on the last name PenaVega. The couple has appeared together in several Hallmark movies, including Picture Perfect Mysteries: Newlywed and Dead, Love in the Limelight, and Love at Sea. They have three children together: sons Ocean and Kingston, and daughter Rio. In November 2023, she announced that they are expecting their fourth child.

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Daryl Sabara

Sabara portrayed the younger brother Juni Cortez, one of the main characters in the movie. Subsequently, he secured various voice acting roles in shows such as Ultimate Spider-Man, Ben 10, and Marvel's Avengers Assemble. Additionally, he made guest appearances in episodes of Wizards of Waverly Place, Weeds, and Criminal Minds. In 2010, he had a reunion with some members of the Spy Kids team, including Robert, Trejo, and Marin, for the initial installment of the Machete film series.

The John Carter actor married Meghan Trainor in 2018, and the pair welcomed son Riley in 2021. The couple’s second son, Barry, followed in 2023.

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Alan Cumming

The U.K. native portrayed the antagonist Fegan Floop in the Spy Kids film series, reprising the role in both Spy Kids 2 and Spy Kids 3-D. This Tony Award-winning actor continued to showcase his talents in various films, such as Reefer Madness, Burlesque, and The Tempest. From 2016 to 2021, he captivated audiences as Eli Gold in the television series The Good Wife. His impressive television credits include appearances in Web Therapy, Broad City, and Schmigadoon! Additionally, he has established himself as an accomplished writer, having published two memoirs, a novel, and two children's books. Furthermore, he serves as the host of the competition show Traitors on Peacock. In 2012, Cumming and illustrator Grant Shaffer formally tied the knot after entering into a civil union five years earlier.

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Antonio Banderas

Gregorio Cortez, the head of the family, was portrayed by the actor known for his role in Interview With the Vampire. Along with being recognized for his mesmerizing performance in The Mask of Zorro, he also lent his voice to the beloved character Puss in Boots in the Shrek franchise, making him popular among younger fans. Banderas and Robert frequently collaborate, with Banderas appearing in films such as Desperado, Four Rooms, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and Machete Kills. In 2020, Banderas received his first Oscar nomination for his remarkable performance in Pedro Almodóvar's Pain and Glory.

Banderas is the father of Stella, his daughter with former wife Melanie Griffith, from whom he separated in 2015. Additionally, he also serves as the stepfather of Dakota Johnson, whom Griffith shares with ex-husband Don Johnson.

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Carla Gugino

Gugino portrayed Ingrid, the wife of Gregorio and mother of Carmen and Juni. Besides her role on Spin City, she has appeared in notable films such as Night at the Museum, Watchmen, American Gangster, and San Andreas. She reunited with the Spy Kids director in 2005 for Sin City. On the small screen, she has been featured in various Netflix horror projects, including The Haunting of Hill House, Gerald's Game, and The Haunting of Bly Manor. Since 1996, she has been in a relationship with Sebastián Gutiérrez.

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Cheech Marin

Portraying Felix Gumm, an OSS agent who poses as Carmen and Juni's uncle, the comedian made his presence known. Marin continued his impressive run by reprising the character in the initial two installments of Spy Kids. His filmography expanded with notable appearances in Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Christmas With the Kranks, Machete, Coco, and Cars 3. Marin has also graced the small screen with his talent, appearing in popular television series such as Grey's Anatomy, Lost, Jane the Virgin, and Home Economics.

Marin has one child with his ex-wife Darlene Morley, whom he divorced in 1984. Additionally, he and his ex-wife Patti Held have two children together. In 2009, Marin tied the knot with pianist Natasha Rubin.

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Danny Trejo

The action star, Isador "Machete" Cortez, portrayed Carmen and Juni's actual uncle in the film. Robert directed two movies centered around this character: Machete in 2010 and its sequel, Machete Kills, in 2013. This multi-talented actor has an extensive filmography, including notable works such as The Devil's Rejects, Halloween, Bullets of Justice, and Dora and the Lost City of Gold. Additionally, he has made appearances in popular TV shows like Angie Tribeca, The Flash, Blue Bloods, and What We Do in the Shadows.

Besides his successful career, the renowned actor has a son named Danny with his former partner, Diana Walton. He is also proud parents to Gilbert and Danielle with his ex Maeve Crommie.

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George Clooney

The A-lister had a cameo as Devlin, the OSS leader who later becomes the U.S. president. Following his appearance in Spy Kids, the ER alum made his directorial debut in Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, portraying game show host Chuck Barris. After reprising the role of Devlin in Spy Kids 3-D, he went on to star in movies such as Ocean's Twelve, Michael Clayton, The American, Up in the Air, Gravity, and many more. He earned an Oscar in 2006 for his outstanding performance in Syriana. Clooney is scheduled to reunite with longtime friend and frequent co-star Julia Roberts in the upcoming film Ticket to Paradise, slated for release in 2022.

The Golden Globe winner married lawyer Amal Clooney (née Alamuddin) in 2014. The duo welcomed twins Ella and Alexander in 2017.