Spy Kids 4 opens in theaters this month, and we chatted on the phone with Alexa Vega who plays Carmen Cortez, one of the original spy kids and star of the first three films, about the film and growing up as an actor.
MK: Alexa, thanks for chatting! So what did you like most about playing Carmen?
Alexa: I feel like I grew up with her. I was in the first Spy Kids when I was 14 and now I’m 22. I feel like she’s part of me.
MK: How about being the “elder statesman”?
Alexa: It was great to be able to guide Mason (Cook) and Rowan (Blanchard) a little, but they really jumped into their roles and did their own thing.
MK: What was the best part of making the movie for you?
Alexa: It was like one big happy reunion, seeing the old sets, gadgets, and Robert (Rodriquez, the Director) brought back so many memories, it was awesome.
MK: What was the funniest thing that happened on set?
Alexa: Oh, so much. Rowan and Mason played a lot of tricks on each other, and Halloween was a blast, my husband and I went as Popeye and Olive Oyl…except I was Popeye and he was Olive Oyl!
MK: If you could make any of the gadgets in the film real, which would it be?
Alexa: I’ve thought about this…in Spy Kids 2 there was a “spy bug” named “Ralph” I thought it would be great to have my own pet spy bug that could sneak into places…how cool!?!
MK: What would you tell a kid who asked you “why should I see this movie?”
Alexa: I’d say because it’s an awesome brand new adventure with great gadgets and it’s in 4D…you get to smell the scenes on top of it being in 3D!
MK: OK, why should parents take their kids to see this movie?
Alexa: It’s a great family adventure that teaches values, including the importance of being a family and staying together.
MK: Thanks so much I look forward to taking my kids to see the film!
