Gina Rodriguez Cast in “Spy Kids” Reboot on Netflix

Spy Kids is officially reaching a new generation of kids! The original 2001 hit starred Antonio Banderas, Alexa Vega, Cheech Marin, and Danny Trejo and was known for the unprecedented representation it brought to Latinx families. It quickly became a highly successful multi-film franchise, releasing three sequels and a spin-off with actors including Jessica Alba. The original Spy Kids creator Robert Rodriguez, who is of Mexican American descent, is rebooting the series yet again since releasing its latest installment in 2011. This time, Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) is confirmed to star in the film, which is titled Spy Kids: Armageddon! The Puerto Rican actress’s role has not been revealed but she will likely star as the leading mother figure alongside Zachary Levi (Shazam!) and their on-screen children Everly Carganilla (Yes Day) and newcomer Connor Esterson, according to Deadline. 

“This is gonna be fun!💃 ” Rodriguez posted in an Instagram story on Thursday night to announce the news.

Originally inspired by the famous James Bond film series, the first Spy Kids was the first of its kind in 2001, following a multicultural Latinx and white family of spies with a majority Latinx cast. Nods to the parents’ and kids’ Latinx heritage were included throughout all four films, including themes of family, unity, sibling rivalry, and growing up. Its creator Robert Rodriguez has explored similar themes in other projects, including the cult classic The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl and We Can Be Heroes. 

While the details of the new film are still under development, the synopsis has been revealed, modernizing the original film’s premise, according to Deadline: “When the children of the world’s greatest secret agents unwittingly help a powerful game developer unleash a computer virus that gives him control of all technology, they must become spies themselves to save their parents and the world.” Exciting!

Rodriguez first became known in the mainstream in 2014 for her leading role as Jane Gloriana Villanueva in the hit CW series Jane the Virgin, winning a Golden Globe after one season. She has also appeared in and executive produced the Disney+ show Diary of a Future President as Elena Cañero-Reed and Amazon’s romantic-comedy film I Want You Back as Anne. She will next be seen in Not Dead Yet, an upcoming comedy series from ABC and Amazon’s Last Known Position. 

No release date has been announced for Spy Kids: Armageddon but will be available to stream on Netflix.