[Update: Spy Kids 4 will be conversion 3D.]

Robert Rodriguez's reboot of his own Spy Kids franchise kicks off next year with Spy Kids 4: All The Time In The World. It isn't technically a reboot, but Rodriguez previously stated that it would be a "new version with new kids." Of course, it's also in 3D.

There are a few recent additions to the cast. Rodriguez has finally rounded out his ensemble with Entourage star, Jeremy Piven.

Piven joins Jessica Alba, Joel McHale, Rowan Blanchard, and Mason Cook as the newcomers to the franchise. Antonio Banderas, Danny Trejo, Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara reprise their roles from previous installments.

Rodriguez has hooked up with the Weinsteins to bring a new chapter to the Spy Kids franchise. Although Spy Kids has a specific demographic in mind, it's interesting to see a director who loves blood and guts tackle the family-oriented action genre. Somehow, he finds a way to seamlessly separate both worlds.

Jeremy Piven Spy Kids 4

Jeremy Piven joins Spy Kids 4

The plot synopsis for Spy Kids 4 is a bit lengthy, but worth a look.

"On the surface, Marissa Cortez Wilson (Jessica Alba) has it all...married to a famous spy hunting television reporter, a new baby and intelligent twin step kids.  But in reality, trying to mother Rebecca (Rowan Blanchard) and Cecil (Mason Cook), who clearly don’t want her around, is her toughest challenge yet.  Also, her husband, Wilbur (Joel McHale), wouldn’t know a spy if he lived with one which is exactly the case - Marissa’s a retired secret agent.

Marissa’s world is turned upside down when the maniacal Timekeeper (Jeremy Piven) threatens to take over the planet and she’s called back into action by the head of OSS, home of the greatest spies and where the now-defunct Spy Kids division was created.  With Armageddon quickly approaching, Rebecca and Cecil are thrust into action when they learn their boring stepmom was once a top agent and now the world’s most competitive ten year olds are forced to put their bickering aside and rely on their wits.  With a little help from a couple of very familiar Spy Kids, Carmen (Alexa Vega) and Juni Cortez (Daryl Sabara), and some mind-blowing gadgets, they just may be able to save the world and possibly bring their family together while they’re at it."

As usual, Rodriguez will hold many hats on the film - playing a major role in every aspect of the production. With Spy Kids 4, Rodriguez will act as writer, director, producer, director of photography, editor, and visual effects supervisor.

Production began recently in Austin, Texas. We have been told it will not be shot in 3D. As the number of 3D movies in 2011 rises, it will be interesting to see the box office divide between native 3D and post-conversion 3D.

Robert Rodriguez Spy Kids

The franchise has made just under $500 million worldwide, but Rodriguez is passionate about Spy Kids for more than just money. Back in March, the Sin City director explained why he keeps working on the films.

"That’s my most loyal audience. More than the geek crowd are the kids. Every day kids and families come up and say, ‘Thanks for Spy Kids. We’re showing our new kids that’…This actually feels completely new…It’s like the Casino Royale to For Your Eyes Only.”

Say what you will about Spy Kids, but you've got to give credit to dedication. There will, very likely, be plenty more installments to come, but hopefully Rodriguez will churn out Sin City 2 before too long.

What do you think about the details behind Spy Kids 4? Are you planning on seeing it next year? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Spy Kids 4: All The Time In The World will hit theaters on August 19th, 2011.