Among the various props available from the Spy Kids collection, Alan Cumming opted for furniture — specifically, a sofa that had once belonged to his character, Fegan Floop. In the most recent release of Vanity Fair’s “Scene Selection,” the Scottish actor and host reminisced about his portrayal of Mr. Floop, a television personality who served as the nemesis to spy siblings Carmen (Alexa PenaVega) and Juni Cortez (Daryl Sabara) throughout the franchise under the direction of Robert Rodriguez.
In a candid moment, Cumming revealed, “I acquired a sofa from the set. It now resides in my home in the Catskills. It’s a quirky purple sofa. Whenever I catch glimpses of Spy Kids, I find myself scanning the background for my beloved sofa.”
Having made his debut as the fictitious antagonist in 2001’s Spy Kids, Cumming reprised his role in the subsequent sequels, Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams and Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over. Although two more sequels followed, Cumming did not make a return appearance.
The third installment featured a young Selena Gomez, prompting Cumming to recall a chance encounter with her where she questioned if he would remember working together. “I instantly recognized her,” Cumming recounted with a smile. “I said, ‘Oh, we’ve shared the screen before.’ She responded in the most adorable manner, ‘I wonder if you’d recall.'”
Reflecting on his time within the franchise, Cumming drew parallels between his exaggerated character and Willy Wonka. “It altered how people perceive me,” he remarked about the impact of the series. “I distinctly recall the moment when the public’s reaction shifted from ‘Oh, that’s the famous guy’ to ‘Mr. Floop! You’re a part of my childhood!’ It has persisted.”
Expressing his joy at being a cherished aspect of people’s formative years, Cumming noted, “It’s a delightful notion that I have played a magical role in many childhoods. Such a heartwarming sentiment.” Drawing comparisons between himself and Floop, he mused, “Floop’s essence is centered on wanting to indulge in pleasant experiences, create beautiful art, enjoy his TV program, and have a good time — akin to my own desires in life. I strive for enjoyment and engaging activities. Yet, much like me, sometimes his amusement and charisma are exploited for more self-serving purposes.”
The film series also featured performances by Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, and Danny Trejo.
Embark on a journey with Cumming as he revisits cherished works such as Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion and, undoubtedly, the more recent The Traitors.
[Source: Original article on Entertainment Weekly]
