‘Spy Kids’ Reboot Set at Netflix, Robert Rodriguez Writing and Directing
Spy Kids is making a return… on the small screen this time around.
Netflix dropped the news to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the original 2001 action-comedy film, which was led by Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Daryl Sabara, and Alexa Vega. The official announcement, which only states Robert Rodriguez is returning to write, direct, and produce the reboot, was shared via Twitter:
🚨 This is not a drill, spies 🚨
The 21st anniversary of SPY KIDS feels like the perfect time to reveal Robert @Rodriguez will write, direct, and produce a reimagining of the beloved franchise! pic.twitter.com/F71aDUZcDj
— NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) March 30, 2022
Thankfully, The Hollywood Reporter expanded on the announcement, adding that the new film will be made in partnership with Skydance Media and Spyglass Media, who currently own the rights to the IP — a year ago, they inked a deal with Rodriguez to work on redeveloping the property. The Spy Kids series grossed more than $550 million globally over the years, including Spy Kids 2: The Island Of Lost Dreams (2002), Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003), and Spy Kids: All The Time In The World (2011) — Banderas and Gugino, as well as original distributor Miramax Films, weren’t involved with the fourth installment.
David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger will produce for Skydance, which is overseeing development and production. Elizabeth Avellan and Racer Max will also produce, with Spyglass’ Gary Barber and Peter Oillataguerre executive producing as well.
This new project also marks the return of Rodriguez to Netflix after 2020’s We Can Be Heroes, another family-friendly film in the vein of Spy Kids that is supposedly getting a sequel in the near future. The American director of Mexican descent has been focusing recently on TV productions, including a key episode of The Mandalorian season 2 and the entirety of The Book of Boba Fett, the Star Wars spinoff series that he executive produced and partially directed. He’s also working on a female-led Zorro reimagining for NBC, though that project has yet to move forward in a significant way.
Francisco J. Ruiz is that guy who has watched Jurassic Park a thousand times and loves Star Wars. His hunger for movies is only matched by his love for video games. He graduated in English Studies from the University of Malaga, in Spain. As he keeps writing about what he enjoys (and doesn’t) for websites all over, he’s continuing his studies.
