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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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We Can Be Heroes

We Can Be Heroes is a 2020 American superhero film written, directed, and edited by Robert Rodriguez.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

We Can Be Heroes is a 2020 American superhero film written, directed, and edited by Robert Rodriguez. Released by Netflix on Christmas Day 2020, it is a standalone sequel to The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D. The film follows the children of superheroes who must save their parents and the world.

Plot

The film centers on superhero children who are taken to a government safe house after alien invaders capture their parents. They must work together and use their powers to rescue the superheroes and protect the planet.

Production

Robert Rodriguez wrote, directed, produced, and edited the film. It was developed as a sequel set in the same universe as The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D.

Release

Netflix distributed the film worldwide on December 25, 2020, after moving it forward from an earlier January 1, 2021 date.

Reception

The film was described as receiving mixed reviews from critics, with commentary often focusing on its family-friendly tone and superhero concept.

Key facts

  • We Can Be Heroes is a 2020 American superhero film written and directed by Robert Rodriguez.
  • It is a standalone sequel to The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D (2005).
  • Netflix released the film on December 25, 2020.
  • The story follows the children of Earth's superheroes after alien invaders capture the adults.
  • The film received mixed reviews from critics.
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Canadian context

The film was available internationally through Netflix, including to Canadian viewers, as a streaming release.

Frequently asked questions

What is We Can Be Heroes?
It is a 2020 American superhero film directed by Robert Rodriguez and released by Netflix.
Is We Can Be Heroes connected to Sharkboy and Lavagirl?
Yes. It is a standalone sequel to The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D.
When was We Can Be Heroes released?
It was released on December 25, 2020, on Netflix.
Who stars in We Can Be Heroes?
The cast includes YaYa Gosselin, Pedro Pascal, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Boyd Holbrook, and Christian Slater.
What is the film about?
It follows superhero children who team up to rescue their captured parents and stop an alien threat.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Can_Be_Heroes_(2020_film)
    Supports: Release date, director, sequel relationship, cast, and general film description.
  2. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/80994666
    Supports: Official streaming listing, synopsis, genres, rating, and principal cast.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/we_can_be_heroes_2021
    Supports: Distributor, runtime, rating, genre, and release information.
  4. Netflix — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omn2PJEuOTw
    Supports: Official trailer synopsis and cast details.