To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the beloved animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants,” Nickelodeon hosted an exciting panel at San Diego Comic-Con. Among the highlights was the surprise announcement that Mark Hamill will lend his voice to the iconic character, The Flying Dutchman, in the upcoming film “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,” set to release in 2025.
Hamill, known for his legendary role as Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” franchise, described The Flying Dutchman as “the most fearsome goofball pirate you’ve ever seen.” He humorously added that the film is “more cerebral” and “intellectually challenging,” before quickly clarifying that it is, in fact, “inspired silliness from start to finish.”
The panel featured a live table read of the classic pilot episode “Help Wanted,” with original voice actors Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton) all in attendance. The audience was treated to a nostalgic experience as they watched the cast bring the beloved characters to life once again.
During the table read, the episode showcased SpongeBob’s journey to land his dream job at the Krusty Krab, where he impresses Mr. Krabs by acquiring a hydro-dynamic spatula. Kenny, who voices SpongeBob, encouraged the audience to join in singing Tiny Tim’s “Livin’ in the Sunlight, Lovin’ in the Moonlight,” which is featured in a memorable scene from the episode.
The panel was moderated by Kel Mitchell, known for his role in “Good Burger,” who appeared in character as Ed. He was joined by executive producers Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller, who added to the fun and nostalgia of the event.
Reflecting on his long tenure as Patrick Star, Fagerbakke expressed his joy in playing the character for 25 years, saying, “It’s like a big party. I have so much fun. I let my inner 7-year-old run wild.” Kenny shared his own sentiments about SpongeBob, recalling his audition process and how he felt an instant connection to the character. “If anybody else voiced this guy, I would be sad for the rest of my life,” he said, emphasizing the deep bond he has with the role.
Mr. Lawrence, who voices Plankton, recounted his experience of almost losing the role to a celebrity stunt cast. “I had to fight for my spot, because they wanted to stunt cast it! They wanted some celebrity to play it,” he explained, humorously advocating for the importance of education by saying, “That’s why you should all go to college!”
“SpongeBob SquarePants” first premiered on Nickelodeon in the summer of 1999 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Created by Stephen Hillenburg, the show follows the adventures of SpongeBob, a cheerful sea sponge living in a pineapple under the sea, as he navigates life, friendship, and his job at the Krusty Krab.
In addition to the film announcement, the panel also provided a sneak peek at upcoming projects. Lawrence teased the Netflix film “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie,” set to release on August 2. She shared that fans will get to learn more about Sandy’s family and background, revealing an exclusive clip featuring a thrilling car chase.
The audience was also treated to a preview of the upcoming “SpongeBob” episode “Kreepaway Kamp,” which sees the characters return to Kamp Koral. The series has enjoyed a successful run for 14 seasons, with a 15th season already renewed for 2023. It has spawned three feature films, including the original “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie,” “Sponge Out of Water,” and “Sponge on the Run.” Additionally, two spin-off series, “Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years” and “The Patrick Star Show,” have further expanded the franchise.
The impact of “SpongeBob SquarePants” extends beyond television, as it also inspired a critically acclaimed Broadway musical in 2017, which received twelve Tony nominations and won one for scenic design.
The celebration of “SpongeBob” at Comic-Con didn’t end with the panel. Nickelodeon set up an impressive 1,800 square foot booth on the convention floor, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of the Krusty Krab and experience the joy of the franchise firsthand.
Mark Hamill’s casting as The Flying Dutchman adds an exciting new dimension to the upcoming film, and fans are eagerly anticipating what the creative team has in store for them. With a blend of nostalgia, humor, and new adventures, “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” promises to be a delightful addition to the franchise that has captured the hearts of audiences for a quarter of a century.
As the excitement builds for the film’s release in 2025, fans can look forward to more updates and sneak peeks in the coming months. The legacy of “SpongeBob SquarePants” continues to thrive, and with Hamill’s involvement, the franchise is set to embark on yet another unforgettable journey under the sea.
Source: Variety
