Spy Kids, a franchise that left both positive and negative impressions, stands as a hallmark of early 2000s entertainment. Recognized for its star-studded cast, the movie series also embraced questionable CGI and the over-the-top antics typical of children's action films. Despite its quirks, the reboot, Spy Kids: Armageddon, has finally arrived on Netflix after a surprisingly long wait. With a new iteration comes a fresh cast, featuring names like Zachary Levi and Gina Rodriguez, among others.
What is Spy Kids: Armageddon about?
As the Spy Kids franchise marks its two-decade anniversary, the release of Spy Kids: Armageddon faces the challenge of captivating a new audience, moving beyond the nostalgia of its original fan base. Positioned as a reboot, this fifth installment strives to engage a fresh generation of potential Spy Kids enthusiasts. In this revamped narrative, Juni and Carmen's saga is reimagined, introducing two new young spies, Tony and Patty.
Mirroring their predecessors, the siblings uncover their parents' involvement in a covert spy organization, compelling them to embrace the family legacy and thwart a perilous criminal plot. Infused with whimsical action and humor, Robert Rodriguez's latest addition to the Spy Kids series retains much of the charm from the original trilogy, yet Tony and Patty bring their unique twists to the familiar tale we fondly remember.
Who is in the Spy Kids: Armageddon cast?
Spy Kids: Armageddon introduces a fresh array of characters--an entire family comprised entirely of new faces; naturally, an unseen antagonist emerges for them to confront. The star-studded cast includes names such as Zachary Levi and Gina Rodriguez--notable figures in their own right within the film industry. Creator Robert Rodriguez and Billy Magnussen also join this ensemble alongside several others.
Zachary Levi as Terrence Tango-Torrez
In Netflix's Spy Kids: Armageddon, Zachary Levi takes on the role of Nora Tango-Torrez. Terrence, the father of the main kids, proves to be a stern parent due to his past entanglement with spy technology. This prompts him to restrict the children's access to technology, a decision he later regrets. Fans may recognize Levi from his performances in Chuck, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods, among other notable roles.
Connor Esterson as Tony Tango-Torrez
Connor Esterson, a budding actor, steps into the shoes of Tony Tango-Torrez in Spy Kids: Armageddon. Tony, a mischievous young lad, enjoys playing pranks and has a knack for solving puzzles, showcasing his sharp intellect. While this marks Esterson's cinematic debut, he is recognized as a social media sensation. Adding to his repertoire, Esterson made a notable appearance on a 2022 episode of the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Gina Rodriguez as Nora Tango-Torrez
Gina Rodriguez brings Nora Tango-Torrez to life in Spy Kids: Armageddon, portraying the role of Tonny and Patty's mother and Terrence's wife. Unlike their father, Nora leans towards a more lenient approach, encouraging the kids to embrace freedom. She particularly values her daughter's commitment to honesty and morality. Rodriguez, renowned for her contributions to the satirical romantic dramedy series Jane the Virgin, The Bold and the Beautiful, Big Mouth, and various other roles, adds depth to the film's ensemble cast.
Everly Carganilla as Patty Tango-Torrez
Everly Carganilla takes on the role of Patty Tango-Torrez in Spy Kids: Armageddon, portraying Tony's sister. As they join forces to become spies and safeguard the world, Patty, the younger sister, adheres to rules, embodying a moral and kind nature that clashes with the deceptive spy world. Carganilla, an emerging talent reportedly made her debut as baby Jane in Jane the Virgin and has since graced various projects, including roles in the Netflix series The Chair, Apple TV+'s The Afterparty, and Yes Day.
Billy Magnussen as Rey “The King” Kingston
Billy Magnussen steps into the shoes of Rey "The King" Kingston, the antagonist in Spy Kids: Armageddon. Playing a tech mogul and the mastermind behind the world's most popular video game, he seizes control of significant spy technology to execute his global schemes. Magnussen, recognized for his performances in Into the Woods (2014), Bridge of Spies (2015), Birth of the Dragon (2016), and Game Night (2018) showcases his versatile talent in this latest venture.
D. J. Cotrona as Devlin
Donald Joseph Cotrona, also known as DJ Cotrona, takes on the character of Devlin in Spy Kids: Armageddon. Playing a crucial role within the O.S.S., the spy agency employing the family, Devlin sticks to his tried-and-true methods of spying. This approach often leads to clashes with the kids, showcasing the generation gap within the spy organization. Cotrona has built a reputation through various performances, including notable appearances in Shazam!, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, and G.I. Joe: Retaliation, among other projects.
FAQs
A. No, Carmen and Juni Cortez don’t make an appearance in Spy Kids 5 (Spy Kids: Armageddon) as creator Robert Rodriguez believed that the series needed to be about the next generation.
A. Despite its action violence, Spy Kids: Armageddon is a kid-friendly movie.
A. Spy Kids: Armageddon stands as the fifth entry in the Spy Kids film series, following its predecessor Spy Kids: All the Time in the World (2011), and it operates as a standalone sequel.