Robert Rodriguez says 'Spy Kids' initially tested low but ended up doing well

Filmmaker reveals why the family action film succeeded despite early lukewarm response

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:02am

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Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez has revealed that his popular family action film 'Spy Kids' initially received a lukewarm response during test screenings, but ultimately succeeded because it broke conventional storytelling rules by quickly shifting the focus from the adult characters to the children protagonists.

Why it matters

Rodriguez's comments provide insight into how taking creative risks and embracing unconventional narrative choices can lead to the success of a film, even if it initially tests poorly with audiences.

The details

According to Rodriguez, early viewers found it strange that the story quickly shifted focus from the adult characters to the children. However, the director believes this creative choice ultimately helped the movie connect with audiences, as it was 'unheard of' at the time. Rodriguez wanted to create a high-energy action film specifically for young audiences, something he felt was missing in Hollywood.

  • The film 'Spy Kids' premiered in 2001.

The players

Robert Rodriguez

A filmmaker who directed the 'Spy Kids' franchise.

Carmen and Juni Cortez

The sibling protagonists of the 'Spy Kids' film series, who step in to rescue their secret-agent parents.

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What they’re saying

“When we first test-screened it, it tested low. The parents were confused. They were like, 'This movie's all wrong. The parents disappear after five minutes, and then the kids take over.'”

— Robert Rodriguez, Filmmaker (People)

“It was unheard of. But then it was a big success because of that.”

— Robert Rodriguez, Filmmaker (People)

“There just was never an action movie for kids. I got to make a movie like that for kids with that level of action with kids.”

— Robert Rodriguez, Filmmaker (People)

The takeaway

Rodriguez's experience with 'Spy Kids' demonstrates how embracing unconventional storytelling choices, even if they initially test poorly, can lead to the success of a film by resonating with the target audience in unexpected ways.