So, you probably think you’ve seen every possible iteration of a yellow kitchen sponge having an existential crisis under the sea. I get it. We’ve had the 2004 cult classic, the superhero one, and that CG-heavy journey to Atlantic City. But honestly, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is doing something kinda weird and unexpectedly nostalgic. It’s not just another cash grab.
Basically, the film—which finally hit theaters on December 19, 2025—is currently tearing up the January 2026 box office. It's already crossed the $134 million mark worldwide. Why? Because it actually feels like the old-school show.
That’s likely because Derek Drymon is back in the director's chair. For those who aren't animation nerds, Drymon was the creative director during the "golden era" (the first three seasons). He’s a guy who actually understands that SpongeBob works best when he’s slightly annoying but fundamentally pure. He isn't trying to make him a "modern" TikTok-obsessed teen. He’s just a sponge who wants to be a "big guy."
Why the Flying Dutchman is the MVP This Time
Most fans were pretty shocked when they heard Brian Doyle-Murray wasn't returning as the Flying Dutchman. Instead, we got Mark Hamill. Yeah, Luke Skywalker himself.
Honestly, Hamill crushes it. He brings this theatrical, swashbuckling energy that’s a bit different from the gravelly grumpiness we’re used to, but it fits the plot perfectly. The story kicks off because the Dutchman is under a curse. He’s been doomed to 500 years in a place called the "Underworld" (not the Rock Bottom we know, but somewhere way deeper and spookier).
To break the hex and return to his home in Santa Monica—yes, the real-world Santa Monica—he needs a soul that is "pure of heart and innocent in mind."
Enter SpongeBob.
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SpongeBob is currently going through a bit of a growth spurt—or he thinks he is. He’s convinced he’s grown "half a barnacle taller" and wants to prove to Mr. Krabs that he’s a "big guy" and a "swashbuckler." It’s classic "be careful what you wish for" territory. He joins the Dutchman’s crew and ends up in the deepest, most dangerous part of the ocean where no sponge has ever set foot (or whatever they have).
The Ice Spice Factor: More Than Just a Cameo?
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the rapper in the reef. Ice Spice (Isis Gaston) is in this movie. When the news first broke, the internet basically had a collective meltdown. People were worried it would be some cringey, forced celebrity integration.
But surprisingly? It works. She voices a character that interacts with the gang during their seafaring adventure, and her original track "Big Guy" is actually a certified bop that fits the frantic energy of the film.
The cast list is honestly stacked:
- Regina Hall
- George Lopez
- Sherry Cola
- Arturo Castro
It’s a bizarre mix of people, but when you’re dealing with a world where a squirrel lives in a glass dome and a crab has a whale for a daughter, "bizarre" is the standard operating procedure.
The Secret Origin of the Underworld Journey
What most people don't realize is that this movie almost didn't happen in this format. Originally, this project was supposed to be a direct-to-streaming spinoff focused entirely on Mr. Krabs.
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Paramount has been leaning hard into the "SpongeBob Universe" lately. We just had Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie in 2024 and Plankton: The Movie on Netflix earlier in 2025. This project was going to be the Krabs-centric entry for streaming.
But then the executives saw the first draft. They realized the story—written by Pam Brady and Matt Lieberman—was actually way bigger than a TV movie. They retooled it, put SpongeBob back in the lead, and turned it into the fourth theatrical feature. You can still feel the Krabs influence, though. The whole "bravery" subplot is sparked by SpongeBob’s relationship with his boss, and Clancy Brown gets some of his best lines in years.
The Animation: 2D Spirit in a 3D World
If you’ve seen the trailers, you know it’s CG. I know, I know. Some purists still want that hand-drawn 2D look. But Drymon and his team at Paramount Animation did something clever here.
They used the 3D models but applied "squash and stretch" techniques that mimic the 2D show. The character of the animation is frenetic. In an interview with Animation Magazine, Drymon mentioned they looked at movies like Three O’Clock High and Pirates for visual reference. They even kept the "shifting geometry" of the Krusty Krab. You know how in the show, a door might be in one place in one shot and across the room in the next? They kept that "error" on purpose in the movie because it "felt right."
It’s those little details that separate this from a generic kids' movie. It’s built by people who actually like the source material.
What's Next for the Franchise in 2026?
We are officially in the "Year of the Sponge." Now that The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants has proven there's still a massive theatrical audience, the floodgates are opening.
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If you missed it in theaters, don't worry. You won't have to wait long to watch it at home. Digital downloads are hitting on January 20, 2026, and the physical Blu-ray/DVD release is set for March 3, 2026.
But wait, there's more. Paramount is planning to drop the movie on Paramount+ this summer to keep the momentum going. Meanwhile, Season 17 of the main show is in the works, and The Patrick Star Show has been renewed for Season 5.
There’s even talk of more gaming crossovers. We already had the Fortnite and Roblox integrations for the movie launch, but word is a third Fortnite experience is coming early this year.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Parents:
- Check the Runtime: The movie is a tight 96 minutes. It’s fast. If you’re taking kids, there isn’t much "downtime," so maybe skip the extra-large soda.
- Look for the Easter Eggs: There are deep-cut references to the "Graveyard of Ships" and certain background characters from the 1999-2002 era that only long-time fans will catch.
- Pre-order the Digital Version: If you want to avoid the $20-per-person theater price tag, the digital release is only days away.
- Watch the Credits: There are some fun visual gags and "behind-the-scenes" style animation bits during the credits that are worth staying for.
The reality is that SpongeBob isn't going anywhere. Whether you're in it for the Ice Spice memes or you've been a fan since the pilot aired after the Kids' Choice Awards in '99, this movie proves the franchise still has plenty of water in its tank.
Next Steps for You:
Check your local listings for "The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants" as many theaters are winding down their runs this week to make room for February releases. If you'd rather wait, keep an eye on the Paramount+ app in June 2026 for the streaming debut.