Daryl Sabara (33) and Alexa PeñaVega (37) Reunite for Spy Kids 25th Anniversary, Bring Back Iconic Childhood Moments
Daryl Sabara and Alexa PenaVega brought back a wave of early 2000s nostalgia as they reunited for the 25th anniversary of Spy Kids.
The former child stars, who played the iconic siblings Juni and Carmen Cortez, were honored with the Star of Texas Award at the Texas Film Awards on March 5. The ceremony took place at Robert Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios in Austin, Texas, giving fans a perfect backdrop for celebrating the film that launched their careers.
The duo delighted the audience by recreating some of their most memorable spy poses and playful moments from the 2001 movie. Clips from the event quickly went viral on social media, showing that the strong bond between Sabara and PenaVega has lasted over two decades.
Sabara added a personal twist during his speech, sharing how Spy Kids played a role in his love life. “I met my wife at a house party when she said, ‘Yo, Spy Kids,’” he said, referring to pop star Meghan Trainor. “I turned around and it was love at first sight.” The audience cheered at the story, highlighting how meaningful the film still is to fans.
PenaVega reflected on the experience of filming the original movie as a child. “We were just kids playing dress-up and it was very special,” she said, noting how the film has continued to impact new generations, including her own children.
Since their early roles, both actors have stayed busy in entertainment. Sabara, now 33, has made a name for himself in voice acting, including work on the Ben 10 franchise, and frequently collaborates with Trainor.
PenaVega, 37, has become a Hallmark Channel and Great American Family regular, often starring alongside her husband Carlos PenaVega. She recently released the faith-based film Mr. Manhattan and continues to produce and star in family-focused projects.
The Spy Kids franchise, directed by Robert Rodriguez, remains a beloved part of family cinema. The original 2001 film grossed nearly $150 million worldwide and led to three sequels. Although Netflix rebooted the series with a new cast, fans still consider the first film the definitive version. The 25th anniversary celebration has sparked speculation that Sabara and PenaVega could appear in future Rodriguez projects, possibly revisiting their iconic characters as adult mentors.
Seeing the original Spy Kids stars together again reminds audiences of the lasting charm of the franchise. Personally, I think a legacy sequel featuring Sabara and PenaVega as adult Juni and Carmen would be a fun and nostalgic way to connect the original films with a new generation. What do you think, should they return to the Cortez family for a new adventure? Share your thoughts in the comments.
