Absorbent and yellow and porous is he! The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants release splashes into theaters worldwide today, December 19, 2025 – the fourth big-screen adventure for Bikini Bottom’s favorite fry cook, and the first fully theatrical SpongeBob flick in a decade.
Directed by series veteran Derek Drymon, this one’s packed with classic chaos, new celeb voices (hello, Mark Hamill and Ice Spice!), and a quest to the ocean’s deepest depths. We’re real fans here at FilmBuzzr, and if you’re looking for holiday laughs away from Pandora’s fire and ash, this could be your pick.
Plot: SpongeBob Proves He’s a “Big Guy”
Desperate to show Mr. Krabs he’s all grown up, SpongeBob follows the mysterious ghost pirate Flying Dutchman on a swashbuckling journey to the underworld depths no sponge has explored before.
Expect epic challenges, marine mysteries, pirate vibes, and that signature absurd humor. It’s got heart, too – themes of bravery, friendship, and growing up (without losing the fun). Trailer teases lobster battles, underworld antics, and SpongeBob declaring himself a “BIG GUY!”
Runtime: 1 hour 36 minutes – perfect family length.
Star-Studded Cast: Classics + Fresh Voices
The OG crew returns:
- Tom Kenny as SpongeBob (and Gary!)
- Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star
- Rodger Bumpass as Squidward
- Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs
- Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy Cheeks
- Mr. Lawrence as Plankton
New additions stealing the show:
- Mark Hamill as the Flying Dutchman (replacing Brian Doyle-Murray – Luke Skywalker goes ghostly!)
- Regina Hall as Barb
- Ice Spice (original song “Big Guy” – already a meme machine)
- George Lopez, Sherry Cola, Arturo Castro
Ice Spice’s track dropped November 13 – pure holiday earworm.
Early Reviews: Rave-Worthy Return to Roots
Critics are loving it – “rib-tickling, delightfully frantic” (Hollywood Reporter), “absolute joyride of laughter and heart”. Positive word-of-mouth is strong, with many calling it the freshest SpongeBob since the originals.
Some note the animation’s a step up (3D cinematic style), though a few say jokes can feel repetitive. Overall? Solid family hit – “funny, fast-paced pleasure” that’s closer to classic SpongeBob vibes.
Box Office Buzz: Squaring Up Against Avatar
Dropping same day as Avatar: Fire and Ash, early predictions:
- Domestic opening: Around $17M-$30M (family counter-programming).
- Global potential: Strong legs over holidays, boosted by nostalgia and kids.
It’s no Pandora blockbuster, but positive buzz + Ice Spice memes could surprise. First theatrical since 2015’s Sponge Out of Water ($162M domestic) – ready for a splash?
Heading to see it this weekend? Family fave or nostalgia trip? Who’s your fave new voice? Comment below and share the hype!
More animated fun? Check our Animation section or Upcoming Releases.
Stay buzz’d!