NickALive!: 2024

Saturday, July 27, 2024

Karim Diané and Zoë Steiner Board 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy'

Two Additional Cadets Board Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

Karim Diané and Zoë Steiner join the all-new Original Series!

Side-by-side headshots for Karim Diané and Zoë Steiner

(L-R) Karim Diané and Zoë Steiner. Paradigm / Steph Cammarano

Paramount+ has announced that Karim Diané (One Of Us Is Lying) and Zoë Steiner (Significant Others) have joined the cast of the original series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. The upcoming series will follow the adventures of a new class of Starfleet cadets as they come of age in one of the most legendary places in the galaxy. Produced by CBS Studios, the new series will begin production later this summer.

Diané and Steiner will play cadets, joining previously announced cadets Kerrice Brooks, Bella Shepard and George Hawkins, as well as cast members Holly Hunter as the captain and chancellor of Starfleet Academy, and Paul Giamatti as the season's antagonist.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves, and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.

Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau serve as co-showrunners and executive produce the series alongside executive producers Gaia Violo, Aaron Baiers, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Jenny Lumet, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, Frank Siracusa and John Weber. The series' premiere episode is written by Gaia Violo. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is the latest addition to the expanding Star Trek franchise on Paramount+, which also includes the fifth and final season of Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Star Trek: Section 31, an original movie event with Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh.

Stream the Star Trek Universe on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

Explore the Star Trek universe on StarTrek.com and relive all of your favorite moments at StarTrek.com/Where-to-Watch! And be sure to follow @StarTrek on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X/Twitter.

More Nick: Boldly Be with 'Star Trek' and Kid Cudi!

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Nickelodeon, Paramount Plus and Star Trek: Prodigy News and Highlights!

Nickelodeon Celebrates 25 Years of 'SpongeBob SquarePants' at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2024

NICKELODEON AND PARAMOUNT PICTURES ANNOUNCE MARK HAMILL TO VOICE "THE FLYING DUTCHMAN" IN UPCOMING THEATRICAL FILM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS DURING 25TH ANNIVERSARY PANEL AT COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL: SAN DIEGO 2024

Nick and Paramount+ Drop Brand-New 25^th Anniversary Extended Trailer

Exclusive Clips of Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie and One-Hour Special, SpongeBob SquarePants, "Kreepaway Kamp" Revealed

Share it: @Nickelodeon @SpongeBob @ParamountPlus #SpongeBob25 #NickSDCC

BURBANK, Calif., July 25, 2024 -- Nickelodeon brought fans down to Bikini Bottom and beyond to celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants' landmark 25^th anniversary during an exclusive panel at Comic-Con International: San Diego on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Appearing in Hall H for the first time, iconic voices Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton), along with executive producers Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller, kicked off the four-day Comic-Con weekend with the Best. Panel. Ever. — "Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants."

"Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon's 'SpongeBob SquarePants'" Panel at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2024

Moderated by Good Burger's Ed (Kel Mitchell), the panel highlights include:

A surprise live appearance by legendary actor Mark Hamill (Star Wars) to announce his role as "The Flying Dutchman" in Paramount Pictures' upcoming fourth theatrical film, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. Produced by Nickelodeon Animation, Hamill will lend his voice as, "The Flying Dutchman," a gruff and goofy ghost-pirate who will face off against SpongeBob in his newest underwater adventure. The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is slated to hit theaters Dec. 19, 2025.

Mark Hamill at the "Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon's 'SpongeBob SquarePants'" Panel at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2024

An exclusive clip reveal of the upcoming movie, Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, available August 2 on Netflix. In the clip, Sandy and SpongeBob's pursuit to save the denizens of Bikini Bottom turns into a police pursuit, as the Cheeks family (voiced by Craig Robinson, Johnny Knoxville and Grey DeLisle) takes them along for the ride on a high-speed car chase. [Watch]

A first look at the one-hour special SpongeBob SquarePants, "Kreepaway Kamp," which shows fan-favorite characters going to a reunion at Kamp Koral, including SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Mr. Krabs, Pearl, Bubble Bass, Kevin C. Cucumber, Larry the Lobster, Mrs. Puff and more. In "Kreepaway Kamp," while at Kamp Koral for a reunion, SpongeBob and the gang are stalked by a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows as campers start disappearing one by one! The special is coming this fall to Nickelodeon and Paramount+. [Watch]

Veteran voice cast Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs) conducted a live table read of the beloved 1999 pilot episode SpongeBob SquarePants, "Help Wanted," where SpongeBob tries to get a job as a fry cook at The Krusty Krab restaurant.

Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy Cheeks) and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton) performed a live table read from SpongeBob SquarePants, "Single-Celled Defense," where Sandy teaches Plankton all about Karate and self-defense.

Since its launch July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the most-watched animated series for 22 consecutive years, while generating a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony award-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base. SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the most widely distributed properties in Paramount history, seen in more than 180 markets, translated in 30+ languages, and averaging more than 90 million total viewers every quarter. SpongeBob SquarePants was created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif. The character-driven cartoon chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurable optimist and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends.

Paramount+ is the streaming home for SpongeBob fans with more Bikini Bottom content than any other streaming service. Visit ParamountPlus.com for a free trial.

SpongeBob 25th Logo

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 45^th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount's (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands.

About Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Paramount Pictures has some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, and Paramount Players. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

About Paramount+

Paramount+, part of Paramount's (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment and news brands, is a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combining live sports, breaking news and A Mountain of Entertainment™. The streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME^®, the service's cornerstone plan, is also home to SHOWTIME^® content, including scripted hits and critically acclaimed nonfiction projects and films. This premium plan includes unmatched events and sports programming through the local live CBS stream, including golf, basketball and more. All Paramount+ subscribers have streaming access to CBS News Network for 24/7 news and CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com, and follow @ParamountPlus on social media.

###

Watch the SpongeBob SquarePants Universe, including Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years and The Patrick Star Show on Nickelodeon and Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com.

Stream the SpongeBob BingePants podcast here!

Listen to The SpongeBob Musical here!

CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!

More Nick: Paramount and Nickelodeon Announce Launch of 'SpongeBob SquarePants: Operation Sea Change', A New Global Ocean Conservation and Sustainability Initiative!

Official Nickelodeon press release courtesy of PR Newswire; H/T: Morningstar.

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Nickelodeon at SDCC 2024 and SpongeBob SquarePants Universe News and Highlights!

Friday, July 26, 2024

First Look at Upcoming 'SpongeBob SquarePants' Special, 'Kreepaway Kamp'

SpongeBob and his friends are set to return to Kamp Koral in a brand-new one-hour SpongeBob SquarePants special, "Kreepaway Kamp", premiering this fall on Nickelodeon and Paramount+! To celebrate, Nickelodeon unveiled a sponge-tastic first look at the all-new special during their "Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants" panel at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2024, which you can check out below!

In "Kreepaway Kamp," while at Kamp Koral for a reunion, SpongeBob and the gang are stalked by a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows as campers start disappearing one by one! The sneak peek below shows fan-favorite characters going to a reunion at Kamp Koral, including SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Mr. Krabs, Pearl, Bubble Bass, Kevin C. Cucumber, Larry the Lobster, Mrs. Puff and more.

Stream the SpongeBob BingePants podcast here!

More Nick: Paramount and Nickelodeon Announce Launch of 'SpongeBob SquarePants: Operation Sea Change', A New Global Ocean Conservation and Sustainability Initiative!

SpongeBob's 25th Anniversary 🎉 #SpongeBob25 | Official Trailer | Nickelodeon

SpongeBob's 25th Anniversary 🎉 #SpongeBob25 | Official Trailer | Nickelodeon

It's SpongeBob's 25th anniversary, and it's time to party! Let's celebrate our favorite absorbent, yellow, and totally awesome fry cook with some classic moments, new episodes, and even a Krabby Patty or two! Get ready for a 25 years full of laughter, adventures, and pure, unadulterated tomfoolery! Are you ready, kids?

Stream the SpongeBob BingePants podcast here!

More Nick: Paramount and Nickelodeon Announce Launch of 'SpongeBob SquarePants: Operation Sea Change', A New Global Ocean Conservation and Sustainability Initiative!

#AD #SpongeBob #SpongeBob25 #Nickelodeon

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Nickelodeon and SpongeBob SquarePants Universe News and Highlights!

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for July 26, 2024 | Nickelodeon

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for July 26, 2024 | Nickelodeon

Stream the classic Rugrats series on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

Rugrats, provided to Creators Syndicate by Nickelodeon, based off the popular animated television series has been created for children and family's to laugh and enjoy together.

Follow these comics and their take on real episodes of the show and their own spin on hilarious adventures.

Read more Rugrats comic strips!: https://www.creators.com/features/rugrats

More Nick: Paramount+ Renews 'Rugrats' For Season 3!

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Classic Nickelodeon, NickRewind and Rugrats News and Highlights!

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for July 25, 2024 | Nickelodeon

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for July 25, 2024 | Nickelodeon

Stream the classic Rugrats series on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Classic Nickelodeon, NickRewind and Rugrats News and Highlights!

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie | The Fuzz | Netflix After School

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie | The Fuzz | Netflix After School

When Bikini Bottom is scooped from the ocean, scientific squirrel Sandy Cheeks and her pal SpongeBob SquarePants saddle up for Texas to save their town.

SUBSCRIBE: https://bit.ly/2ZflIEC

Stream the SpongeBob BingePants podcast here!

More Nick: Paramount and Nickelodeon Announce Launch of 'SpongeBob SquarePants: Operation Sea Change', A New Global Ocean Conservation and Sustainability Initiative!

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | Comic-Con Sneak Peek | Paramount+

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | Comic-Con Sneak Peek | Paramount+

Donatello (Micah Abbey), Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.), Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), and Raphael (Brady Noon) face off against a pack of Megazoids sent after them by Bishop (Alanna Ubach) and Rod (Pete Davidson).

Stream the 12 episode event Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles August 9 exclusively on Paramount+. #TMNT

Learn more about Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Paramount+ https://bit.ly/44MBKGa

The Paley Museum to Host the Nickelodeon Animation Celebration, August 10-11

See Dora, SpongeBob, PAW Patrol, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and More—All Weekend Long During PaleyFamily Weekend at The Paley Museum!

Saturday, August 10, 2024 – Sunday, August 11, 2024

12:00 – 6:00 pm

The Paley Museum, 25 West 52 Street, NYC

FREE for Paley Members | Included in General Admission

Paley Members get access to The Paley Museum's Priority Entrance Lane!

ARE YOU READY KIDS (AND PARENTS, TOO)?! Don't miss the Nickelodeon Animation Celebration at The Paley Museum! Get ready for an AWESOME weekend of family fun, including...

Special Photo Ops: Meet & Greet Dora, SpongeBob, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Special Screenings: Check out highlights from the brand-new series, Dora, and the upcoming new series Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more!
Play The Latest & Greatest Video Games: Grab the controller and try the newest Nickelodeon video games.
Live-Gaming Tournament: Compete against fellow fans in live-gaming tournaments. May the best gamer win!
Face Painting: Paint your face with your favorite Nickelodeon characters!
Creative Corner: Unleash your creativity with arts and crafts.
AND MORE!

Mark your calendars for August 10 & 11, only at The Paley Museum!

Ticket Info

Nickelodeon’s Animation Celebration is free for Paley Members and included in the general admission for the public: $20 ($16 for Students, Teachers, Seniors, First Responders, Veterans; Free for children under 12).

Choose your entrance date as August 10 or 11, and the time you expect to arrive, and stay all day!

Tickets available now at https://www.paleycenter.org/events/nick-family-day/#gettix

Paley Members, for free admission enter your Member ID (including dashes) or code in the access key field, then click the UNLOCK key.

Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Nickelodeon and Paramount Plus News and Highlights!

Nickelodeon Unveils SDCC 2024 Exclusives & More

Celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants' 25th Anniversary With New Nickelodeon Products At SDCC

Nickelodeon San Diego Comic-Con 2024 Custom T-shirt

SpongeBob SquarePants is turning 25, and NickALive! is proud to celebrate with an exclusive first look at Nickelodeon's brand-new merchandise. From the moment he saw the Krusty Krab's "Help Wanted" sign in 1999, the cartoon sponge has remained an iconic character who's heavily influenced animated storytelling. With the help of his starfish best friend, Patrick, and no-nonsense neighbor, Squidward, SpongeBob's comedic antics continue to appeal to viewers of all ages, resulting in the show's long-term success.

Fans can take a trip down memory lane by visiting the Nickelodeon booth at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 and purchasing larger-than-life replicas of SpongeBob’s pineapple home, The Krusty Krab, and the Barg’N-Mart. The booth will also feature products from shows such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more. Stop by any day of the convention for interactive games, photo opportunities, costume character appearances, and autograph signings, and check out the items available for purchase below.

SDCC Exclusives

SpongeBob SquarePants Reversible Hat

There is no place like home! Rep SpongeBob SquarePants’ home or a fun Bikini Bottom-inspired tiki print with this cool reversible bucket hat. SRP: $25.00

SpongeBob SquarePants Barg’N-Mart Reusable Tote

Shop for all the essentials at the Barg'N-Mart! The reusable tote bag is inspired by the local supermarket of Bikini Bottom in SpongeBob SquarePants. Use it to help carry your Bran Flakes, Kelp Jerky, Kelp Nougat Crunch, Pop Kelp, Seanut Brittle, Volcano Sauce, and whatever else you're craving. SRP: $7.00 or free with a purchase of $50.00 or more

SpongeBob's 25th Anniversary Series: Limited Edition SpongeBob SquarePants Painterly Pin

It's the best celebration ever! Celebrate 25 years of SpongeBob SquarePants with our SDCC exclusive, limited-edition pins by Zen Monkey Studios. Collect pins of SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward, and Mr. Krabs spattered with vibrant paint to capture the festive spirit of this milestone anniversary! Available only at San Diego Comic-Con, each pin is a colorful explosion of artistry, with only 350 pieces per design, making them the perfect keepsake for any fan. SRP: $15.00

SpongeBob SquarePants The Krusty Krab Spatula: Exclusive 25th Anniversary Edition

Are you ready to serve up some smiles? Make some delicious Krabby Patties for you, your family, or your best pals with The Krusty Krab Spatula! We guarantee you will feel like an official Krusty Krab fry cook and create some delicious meals that would make SpongeBob proud! This is a 25th-anniversary edition. SRP: $29.99

Avatar: The Last Airbender Reversible Bucket Hat

The Avatar: The Last Airbender Arrow Reversible Bucket Hat is a versatile and eye-catching accessory that replicates the elements in the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. This bucket hat features a unique reversible design, allowing you to showcase two distinct looks in one. SRP: $25.00

Nickelodeon San Diego Comic-Con 2024 Custom T-shirt

Fans can purchase t-shirts at the retail shop and create their own custom design from a choice of 20 fan-favorite Nick shows and characters. Items are ready within minutes! SRP: $25.00

Nickelodeon San Diego Comic-Con 2024 Custom Flip Flops

Fans can purchase flip-flops at the retail shop and create their own custom design from a choice of 20 fan-favorite Nickelodeon shows and characters. Items are ready within minutes! SRP: $15.00

Limited Edition

Limited Edition Playmates Toys Classic TMNT Black & White Original Sketch Turtles: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo

Booyakasha! Discover the origins of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with this exclusive figure set! Based on Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s first group sketch, each of these highly detailed, black-and-white turtles comes with signature weapons, a collectible sleeve, and a card of the original sketch. The figures also include bases that connect to recreate the iconic scene, making this set a must-have for any TMNT fan! SRP: $30.00

Debut

Plushiverse Avatar: The Last Airbender Momo Plushie Fanny Pack

Add some style to your outfit with an adorable Momo Plushie Fanny Pack! Simply buckle it around your waist for hands-free functionality and use the adjustable belt for a perfect fit. These are perfect for holding all your essentials so you can have more fun hands-free! SRP: $20.00

Avatar: The Last Airbender Avatar State and Momo Diamond Art Club Painting Kits

Embrace the charm of these fun adventurers! Fans can create vibrant artworks of Aang in the Avatar State and Momo with Diamond Art Club kits by simply applying colorful diamonds to pigmented canvas paintings. Each kit includes premium canvas, reflective resin diamonds, an applicator, tray, baggies, labels, and instructions. No experience is necessary! SRP: Aang Avatar State $35.00; Momo $30.00

Cubles Reptar Paper Craft Poseable Character Kits

CUBLES, maker of paper craft poseable character kits, debuts the one, the only REPTAR of Rugrats fame. Friend to babies, enemy of towns—build him, then set him on a path of destruction wherever your heart desires. *Ice Skates not included. SRP: $13.00

Non-Exclusives

Plushiverse SpongeBob & Patrick Plushmates Besties

These SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star Plushmates Besties are adorable plushie keychains that hold hands! Each plushie has magnetic hands that let them stick together and a plastic keychain so you can clip them onto your bag or keys. Give one to your bestie and keep one for yourself! These on-the-go companions are sure to add some cuteness to your day! SRP: $15.00

Overtime x SpongeBob Classic Hoodie for Adults and Kids

Rock the SpongeBob look with this unique hoodie! Featuring an "O" SpongeBob logo on the chest, "OVERTIME" on the sleeve, and a vibrant SpongeBob graphic on the back, this cozy cotton and polyester blend is perfect for fans who never want the fun to end! SRP: Adults $80.00; Kids $75.00

Dr. Squatch's Nautical Nonsense Bar Soap Inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants

Are you ready?! Dive into an ocean of tropical freshness with the limited-edition Nautical Nonsense bar soap. With notes of juicy pineapple, cool chamomile, and fresh moss, this brick will transport you to Bikini Bottom and leave your skin feeling soft and breezy. SRP: $6.00

Plushiverse Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 6” Reversible Plushies

Cowabunga! Bring Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo along on your own adventures by checking out these reversible plushies. These 6” tall plushies have two different faces that make it perfect for showing how you feel at school, home, or the office, plus they’re soft and cuddly! SRP: $15.00

Cubles Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Paper Craft Poseable Character Kits

CUBLES, maker of paper craft poseable character kits, debuts their IDW-era inspired Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo are gritty, tough-as-nails, and ready for trouble. Build all of the brethren and get ready to take down the enemy. SRP: $9.99

The Nickelodeon booth will be available to visit from July 25 –July 28 at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. For Nickelodeon's full SDCC 2024 highlights, click here!

Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

More Nick: SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star to Host 'Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2024', Kicking Off Landmark 25th Anniversary Celebration of 'SpongeBob SquarePants'!

Originally published: July 26, 2024.

Original source: Screen Rant.

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Nickelodeon at SDCC 2024 News and Highlights!

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Mark Hamill Boards ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ as The Flying Dutchman

You know what’s funnier than 24? 25!

To celebrate a quarter century of SpongeBob SquarePants, Nickelodeon pulled out all the stops at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, starting with an epic Hall H panel.

Mark Hamill made a surprise appearance to reveal that he’d be voicing The Flying Dutchman in the upcoming fourth SpongeBob film, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, out in 2025. “He’s the most fearsome goofball pirate you’ve ever seen. The movie is more cerebral. It’s more thoughtful, intellectually challenging. No, I’m just yanking your chain. It’s inspired silliness from start to finish.”

Mark Hamill reveals he will play The Flying Dutchman in the next SpongeBob movie. pic.twitter.com/1SiwX9MKYF
— Katcy Stephan @ SDCC! (@katcystephan) July 25, 2024

Mark Hamill gives a preview of his Flying Dutchman interpretation for the upcoming fourth SpongeBob film. pic.twitter.com/xT6L1t8lii
— Katcy Stephan @ SDCC! (@katcystephan) July 25, 2024

Mark Hamill surprises the crowd at the SpongeBob Hall H panel #SDCC pic.twitter.com/s7wUtB230x
— Katcy Stephan @ SDCC! (@katcystephan) July 25, 2024

Voice actors Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs) and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton) took the stage to participate in a live table read of beloved pilot “Help Wanted.”

The episode saw SpongeBob land his dream job at the Krusty Krab after passing Mr. Krab’s seemingly impossible task of acquiring a hydro-dynamic spatula (with port and starboard attachments). Kenny interrupted the episode to ask the audience to sing along to Tiny Tim’s “Livin’ in the Sunlight, Lovin’ in the Moonlight,” featured prominently in a key scene.

The Hall H audience sings along to Tiny Tim’s “Livin’ in the Sunlight, Lovin’ in the Moonlight” during a “SpongeBob Squarepants” live table read of the pilot episode “Help Wanted.” #SDCC pic.twitter.com/jT4GPJ8FFC
— Katcy Stephan @ SDCC! (@katcystephan) July 25, 2024

The panel, moderated by Good Burger star Kel Mitchell (who appeared in character as his beloved character Ed) also included executive producers Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller for additional nautical nonsense.

Kel Mitchell moderates the #SpongeBob panel as Ed from #GoodBurger at Comic Con. #SDCC2024 pic.twitter.com/dnYqA0t3Qd
— Variety (@Variety) July 25, 2024

Fagerbakke reflected on playing the dim-witted sea star for 25 years, telling the audience, “It’s like a big party. I have so much fun. I let my inner 7-year-old run wild. Then I’m tired.”

Kenny had trouble imagining a life without the ever-optimistic fry cook, recalling his audition process for the role. “I can’t even describe it. It’s like that emoji: the smiling face with the hearts in his eyes. That was totally me! If anybody else voiced this guy, I would be sad for the rest of my life. With SpongeBob, I was like, ‘I have to marry this sponge.”

Mr. Lawrence revealed that he almost lost out on the role of nefarious Chum Bucket proprietor Plankton. “I had to fight for my spot, because they wanted to stunt cast it! They wanted some celebrity to play it. We got a big group together with executives and I went, ‘I went to college!'” The rest is history. “That’s why you should all go to college!”

SpongeBob SquarePants first premiered on Nickelodeon in the summer of 1999, and quickly became one of the most successful animated series of all time. Created by Stephen Hillenburg, the show follows the titular, happy-go-lucky sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea as he tries (and fails) to pass his boating school exam, work as a fry cook and spend time with a colorful group of friends.

Lawrence previewed Sandy’s upcoming Netflix film Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, out Aug. 2. “Fans are about to see Sandy like never before and learn about her family … You guys are learning about her family and her background at the same time I am, because as the actress, I didn’t know any of this either,” she said before revealing an exclusive car chase clip from the film. “Of course, Sandy saves the day, because that’s what she does.”

The audience was also shown an exclusive clip from the upcoming SpongeBob episode “Kreepaway Kamp,” which sees the gang return to Kamp Koral.

The series has run for 14 seasons (and was renewed for a 15th in 2023), and has spawned three films, 2004’s The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, 2015’s Sponge Out of Water and 2020’s Sponge on the Run. There are two spin-off series, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years and The Patrick Star Show. A second Netflix movie, Plankton: The Movie, is set to debut on Netflix in 2025.

It spawned a popular Broadway musical in 2017, which earned critical acclaim and twelve Tony nominations (including one win for scenic design).

The SpongeBob fun didn’t stop at Hall H, though. Nickelodeon also set up a huge 1,800 square foot booth on the show floor, immersing fans into the world of the Krusty Krab.

Watch the birthday celebration below:

Stream the SpongeBob BingePants podcast here!

More Nick: Paramount and Nickelodeon Announce Launch of 'SpongeBob SquarePants: Operation Sea Change', A New Global Ocean Conservation and Sustainability Initiative!

Original source: Variety.