Robert Rodriguez, the mastermind behind some of the most violent and action-packed films of the 90s, took a drastic turn in his career by creating movies that his own kids could enjoy. After years of making gritty films like From Dusk Till Dawn and Desperado, Rodriguez shifted gears to create family-friendly movies that would become a staple in many children’s entertainment diets. It all began with 2001’s Spy Kids, a spy adventure film that introduced audiences to a new generation of pint-sized secret agents. But it was 2005’s The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl that really showcased Rodriguez’s ability to craft a fantastical and imaginative world for kids.
Originally released in glorious 3D, the film tells the story of Max, a young boy who is recruited by his imaginary friends Sharkboy and Lavagirl to save their planet from an evil villain. The movie is a thrilling and visually stunning ride, with plenty of humor and heart. With its success, Robert Rodriguez proved that he could adapt his signature style to appeal to a younger audience, and paved the way for future family-friendly projects like Spy Kids 3D: Game Over and Shorts. What’s more, the movie boasted an ensemble of stellar young actors who have gone on to great things. So, let’s catch up with the stars of The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl.
Taylor Lautner as Sharkboy
Taylor Lautner was just 12 years old when he took on his role as Sharkboy. Prior to this rendition, he had starred in episodes of shows like My Wife and Kids and The Bernie Mac Show. So, this was his big moment in Hollywood, serving as his first ever movie role. As Sharkboy, Lautner brought an impressive range as the cocky and confident hero. Although the movie faced harsh criticism, it was a smash hit with younger audiences. This success paved the way for Lautner’s big break in the movie, Twilight. He then went on to star in the entire Twilight saga, which ended in 2012.
Although he hasn’t achieved the same level of fame as his Twilight co-stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, Lautner has still starred in Hollywood movies like Grown Ups 2, The Ridiculous 6, and Home Team. He also starred in the acclaimed series Scream Queens, and the underrated British gem, Cuckoo. He is next set to star alongside Andie MacDowell in the romcom The Token Groomsman.
Taylor Dooley as Lavagirl
At just 11 years old at the time of filming, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl marked Taylor Dooley‘s first ever part in a movie. Playing Lavagirl, Dooley shined as the caring hero whose powers are ignited when she gets angry. Following the success of the movie, Dooley’s career didn’t take off as much as Lautner’s. She went on to star in minor roles in under-the-radar movies and an episode of House M.D. However, she returned to the character of Lavagirl in the 2020 movie, We Can Be Heroes. The sequel is currently in pre-production and Dooley will reprise her role under the direction of Robert Rodriguez.
George Lopez as Mr. Electric
George Lopez took on the role of Mr. Electric in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, the movie’s main antagonist and arch enemy of Sharkboy and Lavagirl. As a renowned stand up comedian, Lopez brought forth an eccentric level of humour whilst still remaining somewhat menacing. Outside of this role, Lopez is most known for his stints in a variety of sitcoms. However, he took a dramatic turn in the 2020 movie, The Tax Collector. More recently, he has starred in Lopez vs. Lopez, an NBC sitcom which he co-created with his daughter Mayan Lopez and One Day at a Time writer, Debby Wolfe.
Cayden Boyd as Max
Although he didn’t play a titular character, Cayden Boyd was really the star of the movie, playing Max, the boy who befriends Sharkboy and Lavagirl. As he befriends the heroes, he enters an epic adventure and thrusts his family into the excitement and chaos. Following the success of The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Boyd has stayed active in film and TV. He has starred in movies like X-Men: The Last Stand, Fireflies in the Garden, and Dog. More recently, he starred in the 2024 drama series, Going Home.
Kristin Davis as Max’s Mom
Kristin Davis starred as Max’s mom in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl. Although skeptical at first, she soon finds herself fully thrusted into Max’s mission and strikes up a strong bond with Lavagirl. Davis is well-known in the comedy genre, starring in movies like Sour Grapes, Couples Retreat, and Deck the Halls. However, she is best known for her role as Charlotte York in Sex and the City. In 2021, she reprised this iconic role in the spinoff series, And Just Like That, which is entering its third season in 2025.
David Arquette as Max’s Dad
David Arquette starred as Max’s dad in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, a stern but loving figure who at first thinks his son simply has a wild imagination. However, he soon gets in on the action. Arquette is most renowned for his role in the Scream movies, which he returned to in 2022. He comes from a long line of acting talent, with his sisters also being renowned thespians.
Outside of acting, Arquette is also known for his love for wrestling, embarking on his own journey into the sport which was documented in the acclaimed 2020 film, You Cannot Kill David Arquette. He is next set to star in the crime thriller, Mob Cops. Want to catch up with the stars of another iconic family movie? Here’s where the cast of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs are now.
Watch The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl on Prime Video
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