Test your knowledge of Spies in Disguise with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Spies in Disguise (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Lance Sterling, portrayed by Will Smith, is a brash secret agent working for H.T.U.V. (Honor, Trust, Unity and Valor). His latest mission leads him to Japan, where he aims to retrieve a dangerous attack drone from the notorious arms dealer Katsu Kimura, played by Masi Oka. However, things take a dramatic turn when the cybernetically enhanced terrorist, Killian, who is played by Ben Mendelsohn, arrives to thwart Sterling’s plans. Killian, with his powerful bionic arm capable of controlling an army of armed drones, poses a severe threat to the world. Ignoring the orders of H.T.U.V. director Joy Jenkins, portrayed by Reba McEntire, Sterling tackles Kimura’s gang, overpowers them, and manages to escape with the critical briefcase.

Upon returning to H.T.U.V. headquarters, Sterling confronts Walter Beckett, a socially awkward yet brilliant MIT graduate, played by Tom Holland. Walter is the mastermind behind the new nonlethal weaponry Sterling had been equipped with. As Walter attempts to persuade Sterling that there are better ways to approach their missions, mentioning a method to make agents “disappear,” Sterling dismisses him before Walter can introduce his most innovative invention: “biodynamic concealment.” The tension escalates when Sterling discovers the briefcase is empty and is framed by Marcy Kappel, portrayed by Rashida Jones, who shows footage that suggests he’s betrayed the agency.

Now on the run, Sterling teams up with Walter to find a way to clear his name while evading capture from H.T.U.V. Meanwhile, Killian brews trouble by infiltrating the agency’s weapons facility. During an unexpected turn of events at Walter’s residence, Sterling accidentally consumes a formula that transforms him into a pigeon. As Marcy and other agents pursue them, they escape using Sterling’s spy car and head to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, to trace Kimura’s whereabouts, learning of Killian’s next move in Venice, Italy.

In Venice, Walter faces the H.T.U.V. agents who are oblivious to Sterling’s predicament. When Marcy confronts Walter about his mother, Wendy, a fallen officer, he stands by his decision to protect Sterling despite her pressures. A surprising drone distraction allows them to slip away, leading them to a drone containing the H.T.U.V. agent database. Yet, their victory is short-lived as Killian appears, seizing the database, intensifying the stakes.

Pursuing Killian involves teamwork and clever tactics as Walter plants a tracking device and subsequently perfects the antidote, restoring Sterling to his human form just before a showdown at the weapons facility. However, the battle escalates when Killian threatens to unleash his army of drones. Walter risks everything, trapping Killian and disabling his arm, but not without peril. In a dramatic scene, Sterling, having regained his pigeon form, learns to fly for the first time and saves Walter, ensuring the villain’s capture.

Despite their heroics, both Sterling and Walter face termination for their actions, only to be reinstated when the agency realizes the value of their unorthodox methods of problem-solving. The story concludes with Sterling acknowledging his unique bond with Walter, as they embark on new missions that combine courage and innovation to combat evil.

Timeline

Track the key events of Spies in Disguise (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Lance Sterling's Mission

Lance Sterling, a secret agent for H.T.U.V., is dispatched to Japan on a critical assignment. His goal is to retrieve a dangerous attack drone from the infamous arms dealer, Katsu Kimura.

Japan

Encounter with Killian

While in Japan, Sterling's plans are interrupted by Killian, a cybernetically enhanced terrorist. Killian poses a significant threat with his bionic arm and an army of drones.

Japan

Ignoring Orders

Sterling ignores direct orders from H.T.U.V. director, Joy Jenkins, to tackle Kimura's gang head-on. He overpowers the gang members and manages to escape with a critical briefcase despite the risks.

Japan

Confrontation with Walter Beckett

Upon returning to H.T.U.V. headquarters, Sterling confronts Walter Beckett, the MIT graduate responsible for the new nonlethal weaponry. Despite Walter's innovative ideas, Sterling dismisses him, missing out on the concept of 'biodynamic concealment.'

H.T.U.V. Headquarters

Betrayal and Framing

Sterling discovers that the briefcase he retrieved is empty, leading to his being framed by agent Marcy Kappel. She presents footage that suggests that Sterling has betrayed the agency.

H.T.U.V. Headquarters

Going on the Run

Now a fugitive, Sterling teams up with Walter to clear his name while evading capture by H.T.U.V. Meanwhile, Killian infiltrates the agency's weapons facility, escalating tensions.

Transformation into a Pigeon

During a chaotic event at Walter's residence, Sterling accidentally consumes a transformational formula, turning him into a pigeon. This unexpected twist complicates their mission as they evade agents and seek a solution.

Walter's Residence

Chasing Leads in Mexico

Sterling and Walter escape to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, to track down Kimura's whereabouts. They uncover vital information about Killian's next target, which is in Venice, Italy.

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Confrontation in Venice

In Venice, Walter has to face H.T.U.V. agents who are unaware of Sterling's pigeon predicament. He stands firm against Marcy's pressures while trying to help Sterling escape their pursuers.

Venice, Italy

The Drone Database

After a narrow escape from H.T.U.V. agents, Sterling and Walter locate a drone containing crucial agency data. However, their success is short-lived when Killian interrupts and seizes the database.

Venice, Italy

Final Showdown

The pursuit of Killian leads to a climactic showdown at the weapons facility. Walter successfully plants a tracking device and creates an antidote that restores Sterling to his human form, preparing them for the final confrontation.

Weapons Facility

Saving Walter

During the battle, Killian attempts to deploy his army of drones to wreak havoc. In a heroic act, Sterling learns to fly as a pigeon and ultimately saves Walter from certain danger, leading to the capture of Killian.

Weapons Facility

Reinstatement at H.T.U.V.

Despite their unconventional methods, both Sterling and Walter face termination from H.T.U.V. However, they are later reinstated when the agency recognizes the effectiveness of their unique approaches.

H.T.U.V. Headquarters

New Beginnings

The movie concludes with Sterling acknowledging the bond he shares with Walter. They set off on new missions together, combining courage and innovation to combat future threats.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Spies in Disguise (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Lance Sterling (Will Smith)

Lance Sterling is a confident and skilled secret agent known for his daring escapades. His brash demeanor conceals a deep sense of duty and loyalty to his agency. By facing unimaginable challenges, he learns to adapt and embrace new methods of solving problems.

🕵️‍♂️ Agent 🔥 Charismatic

Walter Beckett (Tom Holland)

Walter Beckett is a socially awkward yet brilliant MIT graduate, providing the brains behind the operation. His innovative approach to nonlethal solutions contrasts with traditional espionage methods, allowing him to showcase both his intelligence and creativity.

💡 Inventor 🙌 Partner

Killian (Ben Mendelsohn)

Killian is a cybernetically enhanced terrorist whose formidable presence and powerful bionic arm symbolize an escalating threat. His ambition to control armed drones pushes both Sterling and Walter to their limits as they devise strategies to thwart his plans.

💀 Villain ⚔️ Antagonist

Setting

Uncover the settings of Spies in Disguise (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The film is set in a contemporary period, amidst the era of advanced technology and espionage. Themes of warfare, drone technology, and innovative weapons reflect the modern challenges faced by secret agents.

Location

Japan, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, Venice, Italy

The movie traverses vibrant and iconic locations, starting from Japan, known for its rich culture and advanced technology, where the arms dealer Katsu Kimura operates. Playa Del Carmen offers a contrast with its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere, serving as a hideout during the chase. Venice is recognized for its stunning canals and historical significance, playing a pivotal role in the high-stakes pursuit against the villain Killian.

🏯 Locations 🌊 Beaches 🎭 Cities

Themes

Explore the core themes of Spies in Disguise (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🕵️‍♂️

Espionage

Espionage serves as a central theme, depicting the life of secret agents and their high-stakes missions. The tension between agents, their loyalty to the agency, and the moral dilemmas they face underpin the narrative. This theme also showcases the importance of trust and teamwork amid deception.

🦸‍♂️

Heroism

Heroism is explored through the characters of Lance Sterling and Walter Beckett, who embody courage and innovation in overcoming adversities. Their unlikely partnership highlights that heroism can stem from unconventional methods, underscoring the power of friendship and resilience in confronting evil.

🤖

Technology

The film heavily features technology, both as a tool and a weapon in modern espionage. From advanced drone capabilities to biodynamic concealment, the story critiques and celebrates the role technology plays in shaping strategies for conflict resolution. Ultimately, it raises questions about the ethical implications of such advancements.

© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.