Netflix has closed a deal for a Spy Kids reboot with Robert Rodriguez at the helm. Skydance Media recently optioned the franchise that focuses on a family of spies and is partnering with the streamer to bring the property back in a big way.
Rodriguez, who created the original franchise, will write and direct the upcoming reboot. Plot details have not been revealed, though it’s believed that the Spy Kids reboot will revolve around the next generation of “Spy Kids.” The original Spy Kids film series focused on Carmen (Alexa PenaVega) and Juni Cortez (Daryl Sabara), two kids that discover their parents (Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino) are employees of the Organization of Super Spies. Eventually, the kids join the family business and embrace a life of espionage, nifty gadgets, and supervillains.
Spy Kids is considered by many to be a cult classic among family films, with kids and adults alike enjoying the family’s adventuresome antics. Spy Kids grossed $147 million at the worldwide box office in 2001. The original film’s success led to three theatrical sequels, including 2002’s Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams, 2003’s Spy Kids 3: Game Over, and 2011’s Spy Kids: All the Time in the World. The Spy Kids franchise has earned a combined total of $550 million at the box office.
No one has been cast in the Spy Kids reboot just yet. Meanwhile, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger will produce for Skydance, which will also oversee and develop the film. Elizabeth Avellan and Racer Max will also produce, with Spyglass co-founder Gary Barber and Peter Oillataguerre executive producing.
Considering the impressive amount of success the Spy Kids franchise has found throughout its history, it should be no surprise that Rodriguez and Netflix are looking to slap a new coat of paint on a proven property for a reboot. When you stop to think about how marketable superheroes have become in recent times, I see no reason why pint-sized spies can’t become the next big thing. I wish all involved with this project the best of luck and am genuinely looking forward to seeing how it pans out.