Daryl Sabara (33) and Alexa Peña (37) Vega Spark Nostalgia in Sweet ‘Spy Kids’ 25th Anniversary Reunion Recreating Iconic Scenes
Daryl Sabara and Alexa PenaVega recently reunited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Spy Kids, sending fans of the early 2000s franchise into a wave of nostalgia. The former child stars, who famously played 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, the perfect setting to reflect on the film that launched their careers.
During the event, Sabara and PenaVega delighted fans by recreating some of their most iconic poses and spy stances from the 2001 film. In viral clips shared on social media, the two laughed and joked on stage, showing that their playful bond has remained strong over the years.
Sabara added a personal touch, sharing a story about how the film helped him find love. “I met my wife at a house party when she said, ‘Yo, Spy Kids,’” he said, referring to his wife, pop star Meghan Trainor. “I turned around and it was love at first sight.” The crowd responded with cheers, showing how much the movie still resonates with audiences.
PenaVega also reflected on the unique experience of filming the original Spy Kids as a child. “We were just kids playing dress-up and it was very special,” she said in a recent interview. She expressed amazement at how the film has influenced an entire generation, noting that even her own children are starting to appreciate the magic of the Cortez family.
Both actors have kept busy since their early roles. Sabara, now 33, has become a prominent voice actor, working on projects including the Ben 10 franchise. He has also appeared on reality shows and collaborates regularly with Trainor on creative ventures.
PenaVega, 37, has become a familiar face on the Hallmark Channel and Great American Family networks. She frequently stars alongside her husband, Carlos PenaVega, and in late 2025 released the faith-based drama Mr. Manhattan.
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 direct sequels.
While Netflix recently rebooted the series with a new cast, the original remains the definitive version for fans. With the 25th anniversary celebration, rumors have even started circulating about the possibility of Sabara and PenaVega appearing in future Rodriguez projects.
Seeing Daryl Sabara and Alexa PenaVega back together reminds us how much the original Spy Kids continues to hold a place in fans’ hearts. A legacy sequel featuring the original Juni and Carmen as adult mentors could be a perfect way to honor the series. Do you think this would be the right move for the franchise? Share your thoughts in the comments.