The Original Spy Kids Cast: Where Are Carmen And Juni Cortez Now In 2025?
The Spy Kids franchise, which first burst onto the scene in 2001, is a beloved piece of early 2000s cinematic nostalgia, transforming a generation of children into aspiring secret agents. The core cast—Alexa PenaVega, Daryl Sabara, Antonio Banderas, and Carla Gugino—became household names, launching a film series that spanned four original movies and a recent reboot. As of December 23, 2025, the original Cortez family and their extended spy network are busier than ever, navigating new careers, major family milestones, and blockbuster projects that prove their spy days were only the beginning.
From the child stars who played Carmen and Juni Cortez now being parents themselves, to the veteran actors continuing their reign in Hollywood, the trajectory of the Spy Kids actors has been fascinating. This deep dive uncovers the latest, freshest updates on the original cast, revealing their 2025 projects, personal lives, and the legacy of the OSS agents who taught us that family is the ultimate secret weapon.
Complete Dossier: The Original Cortez Family Biography & Profile
The success of the Spy Kids series, directed by the visionary Robert Rodriguez, hinged on the chemistry of the Cortez family. Here is a quick-read profile of the main actors who brought the super-spy family to life, detailing their key information and roles in the franchise.
- Alexa PenaVega (Carmen Cortez)
- Born: August 27, 1988 (Age 37 in 2025)
- Birthplace: Miami, Florida, U.S.
- Spy Kids Role: Carmen Cortez, the older, more tech-savvy, and initially cynical sister.
- Career Highlights: *Repo! The Genetic Opera*, *Nashville*, numerous Hallmark and Lifetime films, and a successful career in Christian and family-focused entertainment.
- Daryl Sabara (Juni Cortez)
- Born: June 14, 1992 (Age 33 in 2025)
- Birthplace: Torrance, California, U.S.
- Spy Kids Role: Juni Cortez, the younger, more sensitive, and imaginative brother.
- Career Highlights: Extensive voice acting work (*Generator Rex*, *Ben 10*, *Ultimate Spider-Man*), *The Polar Express*, and *Wizards of Waverly Place*.
- Antonio Banderas (Gregorio Cortez)
- Born: August 10, 1960 (Age 65 in 2025)
- Birthplace: Benalmádena, Spain
- Spy Kids Role: Gregorio Cortez, the former OSS agent and father, known for his suave demeanor.
- Career Highlights: *The Mask of Zorro*, *Philadelphia*, *Desperado*, *Pain and Glory* (Oscar nomination), and the voice of Puss in Boots.
- Carla Gugino (Ingrid Cortez)
- Born: August 29, 1971 (Age 54 in 2025)
- Birthplace: Sarasota, Florida, U.S.
- Spy Kids Role: Ingrid Cortez, the former OSS agent and mother, known for her sharp wit and disguises.
- Career Highlights: *Watchmen*, *San Andreas*, *Gerald's Game*, *The Haunting of Hill House*, and *The Fall of the House of Usher*.
The Current Missions of Carmen and Juni: Alexa PenaVega and Daryl Sabara in 2025
The two young stars who anchored the franchise, Alexa PenaVega and Daryl Sabara, have moved past their days of navigating the OSS headquarters to focus on family and diverse career paths, with major updates surfacing in 2025.
Alexa PenaVega: From Spy to Family-Focused Star
Alexa PenaVega, who played the formidable older sister Carmen Cortez, has largely shifted her career towards faith-based and family-friendly entertainment. She and her husband, actor Carlos PenaVega (of Big Time Rush fame), have become a powerhouse duo, often collaborating on projects and sharing their family life with their fans.
- New Memoir and Life Updates: In 2025, Alexa and Carlos have been actively promoting their new memoir, which details their journey in faith, marriage, and parenthood. Their focus remains on sharing positive, uplifting content with their audience, a significant thematic shift from the high-tech espionage of the Spy Kids films.
- Family Film Projects: Her recent filmography includes several Christmas-themed and Lifetime network movies, such as the holiday flick *GET HIM BACK FOR CHRISTMAS*, which she described as a project they poured their hearts into for the whole family. She also starred in the Lifetime movie *Before Your Father...*, showcasing her talent in the "mom in peril" thriller genre.
- The Reboot Question: Despite the new *Spy Kids: Armageddon* reboot, PenaVega has hinted at the possibility of another *Spy Kids* project in the works, fueling fan speculation about a return of the original Cortez siblings, Carmen and Juni.
Daryl Sabara: Voice Work and Family Life with a Pop Star
Daryl Sabara, who played the endearing younger brother Juni Cortez, has found a second career as a prolific voice actor, while his personal life has garnered significant media attention due to his marriage to a global pop sensation.
- Extensive Voice Acting: While live-action roles are less frequent, Sabara has an impressive resume in animation. His voice work includes fan-favorite characters in series like *Generator Rex*, *Gravity Falls*, and *Ultimate Spider-Man*.
- Life with Meghan Trainor: Sabara is famously married to singer Meghan Trainor. The couple is a staple in celebrity news, frequently attending major events together, including the 2025 Baby2Baby Gala, and sharing their journey of marriage and parenthood with the public.
- A Supportive Partner: Sabara often appears in Trainor's music videos and social media content, demonstrating a strong, supportive presence in her career while maintaining his own successful work behind the microphone.
The Veteran Agents: Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino's 2025 Blockbusters
The parents of the Cortez family, played by Hollywood heavyweights Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino, continue to dominate the film and television landscape with high-profile, diverse projects in 2025.
Antonio Banderas: Global Cinema and Theatrical Ambitions
Antonio Banderas (Gregorio Cortez) remains one of the most recognizable and critically acclaimed actors in the world. His 2025 slate is a mix of international cinema, Hollywood prestige pictures, and a return to his theatrical roots.
- Upcoming Film Releases: Banderas has several films lined up for 2025 and beyond. One of the most anticipated is the Hollywood drama *Babygirl*, which is slated for an October 2025 release. He also continues his commitment to international projects, reflecting his global appeal.
- Theatrical Production: In 2025, Banderas has unveiled plans to produce traditional theatre, solidifying his dedication to the arts beyond the screen. This initiative highlights his role not just as an actor, but as a major cultural figure.
- Legacy Roles: While he continues to star in new films, his iconic voice work as Puss in Boots and his dramatic roles in films like *Pain and Glory* (which earned him an Oscar nomination) ensure his legacy spans multiple genres.
Carla Gugino: Netflix Thrillers and Major Film Sequels
Carla Gugino (Ingrid Cortez) has become a sought-after star in prestige television and film, frequently collaborating with major directors like Mike Flanagan and continuing her work in large-scale action franchises.
- High-Profile Series: Gugino has been a consistent presence in critically acclaimed streaming projects, most recently in Mike Flanagan’s Netflix horror-drama series, *The Fall of the House of Usher*.
- 2025 Film Projects: Her upcoming schedule is packed with major releases. She is set to appear in the action-comedy film *Heads of State* in 2025. Furthermore, she is attached to the drama *The Friend* and the long-anticipated disaster sequel *San Andreas 2* (TBA), demonstrating her versatility across genres.
- Maintaining Connections: Despite her busy schedule, Gugino has noted that she maintains contact with her former *Spy Kids* co-star Alan Cumming (Fegan Floop), proving the set fostered lasting friendships.
The Extended Spy Family: Updates on Machete and Robert Rodriguez
No discussion of the Spy Kids universe is complete without mentioning the iconic Uncle Machete and the mastermind director, Robert Rodriguez. Their 2025 updates confirm their continued influence on Hollywood.
Danny Trejo (Machete): A Man of Many Missions in 2025
Danny Trejo, who played the unforgettable Isador "Machete" Cortez, has a career that is as vibrant and varied as ever. The actor, restaurateur, and cultural icon has several exciting updates for 2025.
- Major Voice Role: Trejo is slated to be part of the highly anticipated animated film *Zootopia 2*, which is scheduled for a 2025 release. This adds another major Disney franchise to his extensive filmography.
- Documentary and TV Appearances: He continues his work in television, with his involvement in the second season of the documentary series *Mysteries Unearthed*.
- Unexpected Roles: Beyond acting, Trejo is a massive cultural figure, making appearances at high-profile community events, such as joining the 2025 McAllen Holiday Parade, and even having a namesake professional soccer player, Danny Trejo, who signed a deal with Birmingham Legion FC for the 2025 season.
Robert Rodriguez: The Visionary Behind Brass Knuckle Films
Director, screenwriter, and producer Robert Rodriguez is the creative force behind the entire Spy Kids universe, as well as cult classics like *El Mariachi* and *Sin City*. His most significant update is the launch of his new production venture.
- Brass Knuckle Films: In 2024, Rodriguez co-founded Brass Knuckle Films, a new production company focused on developing and producing action films. The company is actively seeking financing and marks his latest move to innovate the filmmaking process, staying true to his independent, high-action style.
- Reunion with Jessica Alba: There are reports of Rodriguez reuniting with long-time collaborator Jessica Alba (who starred in *Machete* and *Spy Kids: All the Time in the World*) for a new heist movie.
- The Reboot Legacy: Rodriguez also directed the new chapter, *Spy Kids: Armageddon* (2023), proving his commitment to the franchise's legacy with a new cast including Gina Rodriguez, Zachary Levi, Connor Esterson, and Everly Carganilla. The original Cortez family's story paved the way for this new generation of spy kids.
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