‘Spy Kids’ Carmen and Juni reunite as film marks 25th anniversary

‘Spy Kids’ stars Alexa PenaVega and Daryl Sabara reunited with Robert Rodriguez for the film’s 25th anniversary

A nostalgic reunion has sent fans of the early 2000s into a spiral after director Robert Rodriguez joined original stars Alexa PenaVega and Daryl Sabara to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the beloved family adventure film Spy Kids.

The trio appeared together during a special celebration tied to the Texas Film Awards in Austin, where the iconic film was honoured and inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame. Rodriguez, who created and directed the franchise, took the stage alongside PenaVega and Sabara, the actors who famously played sibling spies Carmen and Juni Cortez in the original film series.

Released in 2001, Spy Kids quickly became a defining family action film of its era. The movie followed two children who discover their parents are retired secret agents and must step into the world of espionage themselves to rescue them. The film starred Alexa PenaVega and Daryl Sabara alongside Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino, and its success spawned multiple sequels and a long lasting fanbase.

Photos and clips from the anniversary event quickly spread online, with fans reacting to how the former child stars have grown up while still embracing their iconic roles. PenaVega and Sabara appeared relaxed and nostalgic as they celebrated the milestone with Rodriguez, who built the franchise through his Troublemaker Studios in Austin.

The reunion also sparked a wave of discussion across social media platforms, especially among fans who grew up watching the gadgets, spy missions and chaotic adventures of the Cortez siblings. Many posts shared side by side comparisons of the actors during the original film’s release and their appearance at the anniversary celebration.

On fan forums, users described the reunion as a full circle moment for one of the most recognisable family franchises of the early 2000s. Several commenters joked that seeing Carmen and Juni together again made them suddenly realise how much time had passed since the film first premiered.

The event also highlighted the lasting cultural impact of Spy Kids. Despite being aimed at younger audiences, the film developed a dedicated following and remained a staple of early 2000s cinema. Its imaginative gadgets, colourful villains and playful tone helped it stand out from other family action films of the era.

For Rodriguez, PenaVega and Sabara, the anniversary served as a reminder of how influential the project became for both their careers and for audiences who grew up watching the franchise.