Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for June 6, 2025 | 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.
MR. CROCODILE FROM JOANN SFAR’S MAGICAL SOCIETY & MEDIAWAN
Based on the Best-Selling French Children’s Book
Mister Crocodile is Very Hungry from Joann Sfar
Dream House | 'Mr. Crocodile' Episode #106
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 5, 2025 – Nickelodeon today announced the acquisition of Mr. Crocodile, a brand-new animated kids' series, based on the beloved French children’s book Monsieur Crocodile a Beaucoup Faim (Mister Crocodile is Very Hungry) by best-selling author Joann Sfar, published by Gallimard. Produced by Joann Sfar’s Magical Society and distributed by Mediawan Kids & Family, with the participation of Nickelodeon and France Télévisions, the series will air globally on Nick Jr. channels, and on France Télévisions in France.
Mr. Crocodile follows the toothy, loveable Mr. Crocodile, alongside his best friend Daisy, as he cheerfully navigates life with boundless enthusiasm and comical misunderstandings due to his instinctive crocodile logic. New to a diverse and lively mobile home community, Mr. Crocodile lives with Daisy, and they split their time between her Mom and her Dad’s homes. Together, they turn everyday activities into zany adventures as they share an unconditional acceptance of each other's approach to life.
Lucky Croc | 'Mr. Crocodile' Episode #101
“Nickelodeon is continuing the legacy of beloved kids' stories with the acquisition of Mr. Crocodile," said Layla Lewis, Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships, Nickelodeon. "This delightful series brings the charm and adventure of Joann Sfar's original book to a new generation of viewers, emphasizing our commitment to delivering engaging and entertaining content for kids. We can't wait for audiences to join Mr. Crocodile and Daisy on their fun-filled adventures."
“We are delighted to collaborate with Nickelodeon to introduce Mr. Crocodile to audiences around the globe. Joann Sfar’s Magical Society has assembled an exceptional international team of passionate talent to bring to life this innovative story, conceived by one of France’s most creative and prolific artists. We are confident that the show will captivate and inspire children everywhere,” says Julien Borde, President of Mediawan Kids & Family.
“Joann and I are thrilled to launch Mr. Crocodile, our first CGI series based on Joann’s iconic book, through Magical Society, the studio we founded together. Our teams have done an incredible job adapting Joann’s characters and universe into stunning 3D designs, while staying true to his whimsical and mischievous universe. It was deeply moving to see Mr. Crocodile, Daisy, and all their friends come to life for the very first time. We are incredibly proud and grateful to have our friends and partners at Nickelodeon, France Télévisions, and Mediawan Kids & Family on board for this wonderful adventure. With their support, the brand will shine, and Joann’s beloved characters will enchant children around the world,” adds Aton Soumache, Magical Society Co-Founder and Producer.
Lucky Croc | 'Mr. Crocodile' Episode #101
Monsieur Crocodile a Beaucoup Faim is a beloved French children's book written by New York Times bestselling author Joann Sfar. Published by Gallimard, the story follows the adventures of a hungry crocodile who sets out to find something to eat, encountering unique challenges along the way. The book is a cherished favorite among children and parents alike, known for its charming illustrations and humorous narrative. For the past 30 years, Joann Sfar has created universes of fantastical worlds and magical characters, his works spanning comic books, novels, series, films that reach a worldwide audience. Sfar is also known for his bestselling illustrated book Little Vampire and for his adaptation of the French literary classic, The Little Prince.
Mr. Crocodile was developed by Simon Nicholson and Joann Sfar, and is directed by Fabien Brandily. Rachel Lipman serves as Executive Producer alongside producers Aton Soumache, Joann Sfar, Rachel Lipman, and Cédric Pilot. Max Goodman and Lynsey O'Callaghan serve as the Executives in Charge for Nickelodeon.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 46th 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 Mediawan Kids & Family
Mediawan Kids & Family is the division of Mediawan, the European independent multigenre studio, dedicated to the production and distribution of children and family content for audiences worldwide. The company is the European leader in animation and produces premium TV shows, high-end feature films and digital content for kids, teens, young adults and families.
Mediawan Kids & Family houses four production labels headquartered in France: the well-established animation label Method Animation (The Three Musketeers, Pirate Academy, Robin Hood Mischief in Sherwood, The Little Prince and Friends), brand-new 2D animation TV label for kids Somewhere Animation (Temtem, Leaves and Roots, Chefclub Adventures), live-action shows for youth and family studio Elliott Studio (Boule & Bill) and Mediawan Kids & Family Cinema (The Magnificent Life of Marcel Pagnol, Miraculous - The Movie, Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be, The Little Prince). Mediawan Kids & Family is also present internationally through three labels: Palomar Animation in Italy (The Enchanted Village of Pinocchio, The Three Musketeers) Wildseed Studios in the UK (Tuff Pom, Dodo), and Submarine Animation in the Netherlands (Apollo 10½ : A Space Age Childhood, They Shot The Piano Player, Fox and Hare Save the Forest).
Mediawan Kids & Family hosts the distribution of all children's and family content within the Mediawan group, including Miraculous - Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir now produced by Miraculous Corp, the new company created by Mediawan and Zag and sold in over 150 countries. But also a significant catalog of 2,500 half-hours of programs such as Robin Hood – Mischief in Sherwood or The Enchanted Village of Pinocchio broadcasted in over 150 countries, and third-party acquisitions such as Maddie + Triggs, Duck and Frog (co-produced with BBC), Dogmatix and the Indomitables sold in over 45 countries and BarnKidz, a real international success.
About Joann Sfar’s Magical Society
Magical Society is a film and television studio based in Paris and London, where the London office is led by producers Paul Trijbits and JJ Lousberg. Co-founded by Aton Soumache and Joann Sfar, the studio is defined by its independent and innovative spirit. Under Sfar’s creative direction, Magical Society champions bold, singular, and impactful projects, bringing together exceptional creative, visual, and writing talents to bring audacious and unconventional stories to life. The studio has produced several animated feature films, including The Rabbi’s Cat and Little Vampire, both adapted from Sfar’s best-selling books. Magical Society is currently developing a premium and diverse slate of animated and live-action TV series and feature films, drawn from Sfar’s original IPs as well as other renowned works.
With his vast experience in publishing and comics, Sfar has successfully transferred a unique know-how to film and television, based on collective work and the attraction of talent. This ability to unite leading international authors, directors, screenwriters, and creators, along with Sfar's personal involvement in the studio's overall editorial line and his active participation in numerous projects, not only ensures quality but also maintains the unique and innovative spirit that characterizes Magical Society. The studio is committed to offering new and original perspectives, with premium content that challenges norms and explores singular, introspective, unusual, epic, or fantastical subjects, all with a distinctive aesthetic.
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Mr. Crocodile is currently picked up for 52 x 11-minute episodes.
Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado | Full Length Trailer | Paramount+
In this brand new live-action family movie, Dora, Diego, and their new friends, Naiya and Sonny, trek through perilous dangers of the Amazonian jungle in search of the ancient treasure of Sol Dorado to keep this powerful treasure out of enemy hands.
When Dora and Diego find an enchanted bracelet, they are chased by Camila the Crusader and treasure hunting mercenaries whilst the gang trek through the Amazonian forest in search of the legendary Golden Sun that can grant one wish. The trailer introduces Swiper the Fox and Dora's parents, along with Dora's trusty Map, who seems to meet an untimely end. The trailer also features plenty of Dora the Explorer Easter eggs, including Dora talking to the audience, along with chanting Go, Diego, Go!.
HOLLYWOOD, Calif.–May 20, 2025–Nickelodeon is expanding its globally beloved Dora franchise with a raft of new content leading with the original feature-length live-action movie, Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado, debuting Wednesday, July 2, on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon in the U.S., and shortly after around the world. For a free trial of Paramount+, visit ParamountPlus.com.
First-look images were revealed today of Latina heroine Dora who returns as a 16-year-old, played by Samantha Lorraine (You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah). In this brand-new family movie, the world’s greatest explorer and her friends will trek through the perilous dangers of the Amazonian jungle in search of the ancient treasure of Sol Dorado to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.
The Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado cast also includes: Jacob Rodriguez as Diego, Dora’s 17-year-old loyal cousin and jungle-exploring partner; Mariana Garzón Toro as Naiya, Diego’s bold and no-nonsense coworker; Acston Luca Porto as Sonny, Naiya’s younger brother with boundless energy and curiosity; Daniella Pineda as Camila the Crusader, a legend in the world of archaeology and Dora’s childhood hero; and Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, as the voice of Boots, Dora’s monkey sidekick and best friend.
The film is directed by Alberto Belli (The Naughty Nine) and written by JT Billings (Are You Afraid of the Dark?). Adam Bonnett (Monster High: The Movie) serves as an executive producer, alongside Chris Gifford and Valerie Walsh Valdes (Dora the Explorer).
Production of the movie for Nickelodeon Studios is overseen by Shauna Phelan, Head of Nickelodeon & Awesomeness Live-Action. Brittany Cope and Linda Halder serve as Nickelodeon’s Executives in Charge of Production. The film is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
The live-action movie kicks off “The Great Dora Fiesta,” an anniversary initiative featuring an array of brand-new multiplatform content and experiences for kids and families, marking 25 historic years of the franchise. “Fiesta” highlights include:
An hour-long special of Paramount+’s original hit CG-animated preschool series DORA, spotlighting cousin Diego (voiced by Kai Edgar). In “Dora & Diego: Rainforest Rescues,” premiering Wednesday, July 2, on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon, viewers will learn how Diego met his best friend, Baby Jaguar.
A third season of DORA that will start streaming on Wednesday, July 2, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., and internationally where the service is available, and include a special birthday-themed episode that will also premiere on Nickelodeon, the week of the 25th anniversary on Friday, Aug. 15. The upcoming season (26x11-minute episodes) will feature guest stars: Danny Trejo, as Santa; and Jett Gomez, who joins her dad Taboo on the series, as Quickatina, Quickatoo’s (Taboo) daughter. DORA has also been renewed for a fourth season that will premiere later this year.
Magic Mermaid Adventures (working title), an hour-long global cinema screening event featuring four exclusive never-before-seen episodes, debuting in 20+ markets this fall, along with a brand-new Dora’s Mermaid Adventures podcast and accompanying YouTube series.
Dora as the ambassador of Beyond the Backpack, powered by Nickelodeon Our World, a kindergarten readiness campaign that provides parents and caregivers with tips and resources focusing on STEM/STEAM, literacy, health & wellness, life skills and family engagement.
An expansive global DORA consumer products line launch spanning key categories, including toys, apparel, publishing and packaged goods, and a national partnership with the family-favorite Rainforest Café, known for its immersive, jungle-themed dining experience.
A partnership with Plan International to champion girls’ education, providing school supplies, grants, and backpacks to girls in need around the world, including a continuation of The Dora Fund.
Multiple soundtrack and song compilations that will be released and available on all music streaming platforms beginning this summer.
The extensive ExploraDora Collection, including the first and second seasons of DORA, the original Dora the Explorer series and additional franchise content, is available to stream now on Paramount+.
Since its launch on Nickelodeon on August 14, 2000, Dora the Explorer quickly emerged as a global pop-culture phenomenon and, nearly 25 years later, remains one of the most-watched preschool shows of all time. Dora has crossed social, racial and language boundaries and stands as a hero and friend to millions of children around the world. The series is seen in more than 150 countries and territories and translated in 32 languages on Nickelodeon channels and Paramount+ around the globe and through syndication. Throughout its eight-season run, Dora the Explorer received countless accolades, including Emmy®, Peabody, NAACP, Alma, Imagen, Latino Spirit, Gracie Allen, Parents’ Choice, Common Sense Media and Television Critics Association awards.
Update (6/5) - Nickelodeon will unveil a sneak peek of Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado on Thursday, June 5!
Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado Actor Headshots:
Enjoy the brand new Paramount+ Original series Dora, now streaming! Try Paramount+ for FREE at ParamountPlus.com
Join your favorite explorer in NEW and EXCITING adventures on YouTube! Play games, dive into adventures, sing along to songs, solve puzzles and so much more! Subscribe to the OFFICIAL Dora & Friends YouTube Channel! Ready? ¡Vámonos! Let’s go! https://at.nick.com/DoraSubscribe
Immersive Everywhere presents a groundbreaking immersive experience for pre-school aged children, PEPPA PIG: Surprise Party, opening at Metrocentre Gateshead, in Autumn 2025, in collaboration with leading games, IP and toy company, Hasbro.
The UK’s first-ever immersive PEPPA PIG experience, PEPPA PIG: Surprise Party, will deliver a world-first in family entertainment - giving children the unprecedented opportunity to interact directly with characters from the beloved animated preschool TV series. Set across a 19,000 sq. ft space, the experience will feature never-before-seen content alongside interactive live storytelling, theatrical performances, and hands-on, multisensory activities designed to inspire joyful learning and creativity.
Little ones will be invited to play an active role in planning and preparing for Peppa’s big day as they take on exciting adventures, explore iconic scenes and interact with their favourite characters from the award-winning children’s television series.
This Autumn, beloved children’s television character, Peppa Pig, will be brought to life in an all-new immersive adventure, PEPPA PIG: Surprise Party, designed specifically for young children by renowned live entertainment company, Immersive Everywhere, in collaboration with leading games, IP and toy company, Hasbro.
Opening at the iconic Metrocentre Gateshead in Autumn 2025, PEPPA PIG: Surprise Party promises an oink-tastic adventure where, for the first time ever, little ones (ages 1- 6 years) and their families will be able to step inside the world of PEPPA PIG and help to plan the ultimate surprise party.
Taking on an active role in the party preparations, this brand-new immersive experience invites families to freely explore recognisable locations from the globally successful animated television series including the Garden Square, Mr Fox’s Shop, the Aquarium and Caves – each packed with a series of exciting, hands-on activities before ending with a very special surprise party just for Peppa.
Hopping aboard ‘The Big Train’ to enter the experience, guests will meet plenty of Peppa’s friends along the way while helping with everything from choosing the perfect gift with Miss Rabbit, singing along with Madame Gazelle and, of course, making sure the party cake is ready on time! The 1hr 45-minute adventure will culminate in a showstopping celebration with Peppa’s family at Peppa’s House complete with party hats, giggles and maybe even a few muddy puddles.
Blending live puppetry and theatrical performance with digital storytelling and multi-sensory play, PEPPA PIG: Surprise Party has been thoughtfully designed to encourage curiosity, creativity and joyful learning. With free-flow exploration across 19,000 sq. ft, children can choose their own path, going at their own pace and engage with the experience however they like, meaning no two visits will ever be the same.
Alongside the activities throughout Peppatown, the experience will feature a variety of photo opportunities for children and adults to enjoy as well as an onsite gift shop offering exclusive keepsakes and PEPPA PIG treasures to take home as a memento of their magical day.
PEPPA PIG: Surprise Party will also be home to two Party Rooms, each with its own theme (Carnival and Circus) and decorated with party bunting, festoon lighting and large screens for guests to display their own footage for children’s birthday parties. Each room can cater for up to 10 children and 4 adults.
Elliot Hargreaves, Chief Executive Officer at Immersive Everywhere, comments: “We are truly excited to bring the world of PEPPA PIG to life in a whole new way at Metrocentre, Gateshead. PEPPA PIG: Surprise Party is a huge milestone for us and reflects our commitment to creating exceptional, memorable experiences for families. This will be the first-ever immersive live experience for children of this age that allows them to actually step into an episode of PEPPA PIG.”
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President, Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro, said: “PEPPA PIG: Surprise Party is a fresh and playful take on Peppa’s beloved world. The experience invites families on a brand-new adventure—packed with unexpected moments, interactive fun and big surprises for little fans. It’s a joyful addition to Peppa’s live event lineup, and we can’t wait for families to jump in and celebrate with her.”
Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, Asset Managers of Metrocentre, said: “Immersive Everywhere is a leader in creating world-class, one-of-a-kind leisure experiences that truly connect with audiences. We’re thrilled that they’ve chosen Metrocentre as the home for the UK’s first ‘PEPPA PIG: Surprise Party’ – a testament to the strength of our family-focused catchment. This exciting addition pushes the boundaries of retail and leisure, reinforcing our commitment to investing in dynamic experiences that bring joy to our visitors and the local community.”
PEPPA PIG: Surprise Party has been thoughtfully designed to cater to everyone’s needs including a complimentary and secure buggy park, cloakroom and a Sensory Room with a soft interior, calming colour, changing lights and soothing music, toys and bubble tubes, offering a relaxing space for decompression and a moment away from the sensory stimulation outside.
PEPPA PIG: Surprise Party will feature state-of-the-art puppets and completely original audio-visual content throughout, combining theatrical performance and storytelling with captivating and enchanting activities in one immersive performance space, designed to inspire the imaginations, foster creativity and promote joyful learning while building lasting memories and shared experiences in one immersive performance space.
Tickets will go on sale in July 2025, priced from £9.50 per adult and £12.50 per child. For early access to tickets and more information, please visit www.peppapigsurpriseparty.co.uk
Stream all your favourite Nick Jr. shows on Paramount+! Try Paramount+ for FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
Peyo Company, controller and producer of the iconic The Smurfs franchise, is delighted to announce the production of two brand-new 22-minute standalone episodes starring the globally beloved blue characters. The specials are currently in production and scheduled for delivery at the end of 2026.
To bring these exciting stories to life, Peyo Company is working in close collaboration with two top European animation studios: Blue Spirit (part of Studio TF1, France) and Dreamwall (Belgium), who are providing creative and production services under Peyo Co.’s leadership. According to the Peyo Company, both these studios bring valuable expertise and craftmanship to the project, helping ensure these special episodes live up to The Smurfs’ high standards of storytelling and animation quality.
“We are excited to be working with Blue Spirit and Dreamwall on these brand-new episodes,” said Nele De Wilde, CCO Audiovisual & Music and Executive Producer of Peyo Company. “Both studios have an outstanding track record of producing high quality series and features and we are confident that this collaboration will result in two amazing new stories that will delight our Smurf fans all over the globe.”
Olivier Lelardoux, CEO of Blue Spirit, commented, “Working on The Smurfs is both an honor and a creative joy. These specials allow us to celebrate the rich legacy of the characters while bringing fresh energy and visual storytelling to this exceptional IP. We’re thrilled to work with Peyo Productions joining forces with Dreamwall to bring these iconic characters to life.”
“Our teams have a deep understanding of the Smurfs’ world and genuinely enjoy working on this incredible universe, which is so rich artistically and narratively. We are excited to bring our special Belgian touch to these new standalone episodes,” added Alice Gorrissen, CEO of Dreamwall.
A brand new SpongeBob SquarePants video game has leaked online. SpongeBob SquarePants is an animation icon and has stood the test of time. The beloved animated series has been on Nickelodeon for 26 years now, and has been such a success that the character has spawned multiple movies, spin-off shows, and many video games, including some classics like SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom. There was a pretty big gap where no one was releasing big SpongeBob games anymore as it seemed like the character was relegated to crossover games or mobile titles, but there’s been a resurgence in SpongeBob platformers in recent years.
Following the successful remaster of Battle for Bikini Bottom, THQ Nordic has utilized the hype for SpongeBob in gaming to make a bunch of new games that build upon some of the ideas of that game. Over the last few years, we’ve gotten SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake and even The Patrick Star Game, the latter from Outright Games. Both have been respectable 3D platformers that scratch an itch for SpongeBob fans, but now it looks like another SpongeBob game may be on the way very soon.
As spotted by Gematsu, SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide has been rated in South Korea. These ratings only happen if a publisher submits them, so it’s likely not any kind of error. There are no known SpongeBob games with this title, so it’s likely something brand new. THQ Nordic is listed as the publisher for the game, which indicates it’s yet another big console SpongeBob game.
Similarly, a game featuring the same title has popped up on the German USK rating board. The game is rated for PC and is approved for ages “6 and up,” following Section 14 of Germany’s Youth Protection Act. Again, he publisher is listed as THQ Nordic GmbH.
As of right now, we have no other details besides standard ratings descriptions, all of which make sense for your typical SpongeBob video game. According to the German rating board, the game includes “comic violence” and “pressure to act” as its main content descriptors. “Comic violence” means the combat is silly and exaggerated—think cartoonish explosions, over-the-top weapons, and the kind of wacky physics you’d expect from SpongeBob. The “pressure to act” label hints at fast-paced sections, like boss fights or waves of enemies, where players (especially younger ones) might need quick reflexes.
These ratings typically occur when a game is close to releasing, so this may suggest we’ll see Titans of the Tide released within the next few months.
It’s possible this game will be announced at Summer Game Fest with a trailer and release date. It’s unclear who the “titans” could be in reference to, but it may be someone like King Neptune or the Flying Dutchman. It’s also entirely possible these are entirely new characters that aren’t from the shows or films. Given this game is from THQ Nordic, it wouldn’t be surprising if this is yet another 3D platformer that’s very similar to Battle for Bikini Bottom or its spiritual successor, The Cosmic Shake. No specific platforms were listed, but it will likely release on all the major consoles, possibly including Nintendo Switch 2.
The leak follows THQ Nordic hinting that they were working on a new SpongeBob SquarePants video game. In a video released for Halloween on October 31st, THQ Nordic showcased some of the best spooky gameplay from both Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated and The Cosmic Shake. It’s mostly a montage SpongeBob and Patrick getting their barnacles scared off, but as things wrap up, viewers are left with with the duo jumping about under text that reads “an all-new adventure awaits,” along with a 2025 release date, whilst The Flying Dutchman laughs menacingly in the off-screen.
Whilst the promo featured scenes from Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated and The Cosmic Shake, it’s entirely possible that THQ Nordic was simply leaving a trail of Krabby Patty crumbs for fans to follow. Here’s why:
Number one, The Flying Dutchman has a clear focus in the trailer. Longtime fans of the SpongeBob games will remember why that’s significant. SpongeBob SquarePants: Revenge of the Flying Dutchman is perhaps the second-most beloved game in the franchise, and with the Rehydrated series going strong, it’s an obvious choice for a fancified remake or follow-up.
Number two, add in the spooky theme (and Halloween release date) of the teaser, and it’s hard to think of anything else that fits the billing. If it’s not a direct remake or spiritual successor then what else could all of this be for? Well, there is one more answer.
Mark Hamill was recently cast as the voice of The Flying Dutchman in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, taking over the role from Brian Doyle-Murray, who voices the ghostly figure in the series. Details are still few and far between about that film, but the official IMDb description reads “Follow SpongeBob as he travels to the depths of the ocean to face the ghost of the Flying Dutchman.” Search for SquarePants is currently slated for release on December 19, 2025, around the time the game is slated to be released.
Revenge of the Flying Dutchman sees SpongeBob on a quest to save his pet sea snail, Gary, from the clutches of the pirate captain after accidentally disturbing his slumber. It’s an action-platformer just like Battle for Bikini Bottom. You travel across seven unique locations, collecting The Dutchman’s treasure, and prepping the sponge for a big showdown against his spectral nemesis. Most of the series regulars – Plankton, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, Sandy, etc. – make appearances along the way, giving SpongeBob tasks to complete which push him closer to his ultimate goal. From fixing TV antennas to winning karate matches against Larry the Lobster, it’s packed to the gills with SpongeBob-themed mayhem.
First released in 2002, a reimagined version of the game could certainly bring the action up to speed, just like THQ Nordic did with Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated.
Additionally, earlier this year, Paramount revealed that they'll be expanding its SpongeBob SquarePants gaming slate with the release of a brand new SpongeBob SquarePants console game during the "latter half of 2025".
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!
It’s always exciting to see a fun, new original 2D-animated show launch on Nickelodeon. This month’s hot new series Wylde Pak, which is created by Paul Watling and Kyle Marshall, follows the adventures of two half-siblings as they adjust to their newly formed Korean-American family. The show, which features the voices of Nikki Castillo, Benjamin Plessala, Jee Young Han, Ben Pronsky and Jean Yoon, is the second production launched via Nickelodeon’s Intergalactic Shorts Program following Rock Paper Scissors.
Wylde Pak [c/o Nickelodeon]
The show’s executive producers, Watling (The Tiger’s Apprentice), Marshall (The Loud House) and Seonna Hong (The Wild Robot) were kind enough to answer a few questions about their new Nicktoon for Animation Magazine:
Nikki Castillo, Benjamin Plessala, Ben Pronsky, Jee Young Han, and Jean Yoon lead the voice cast of “Wylde Pak,” which is is produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, and executive produced by Watling, Marshall, Seonna Hong and Conrad Vernon. The musical trio LIONCHLD created and composed the theme song and musical score. [c/o Nickelodeon]
Animation Magazine: Can you tell us a bit about the origins of the show? How did it all begin?
Paul Watling [c/o Nickelodeon]
Paul Watling: To be honest, it began with spaghetti and meatballs at Little Dom’s restaurant in Los Feliz (in Los Angeles) , Kyle and I would meet regularly to catch up and talk shop. We’d hatched an earlier iteration of the show that revolved around Jack and Lily, however there was a whole sci-fi element. It was actually in development at another studio for a while … until it wasn’t of course.
Fast forward to us pitching a slew of ideas to Nickelodeon, one of which was the fragmented relics of this thing we’d been developing, and that was the one Nick really responded to: specifically, the two main characters, Jack and Lily. We ditched the whole sci-fi element and started thinking about the stories we wanted to tell, and for us, the most authentic storytelling comes from experience. That’s where we looked to start shaping the family and the world these kids would inhabit.
I had recently met my wife, Seonna, and lucked out by getting a two-for-one, in that I also got a Tigerlily, my stepdaughter. Having stepparents of my own, I had a full circle moment and thought there were some juicy stories to mine here. Kyle was a new dad as well, to two awesome little dudes, Jack and Charlie. We both realized we had no idea what we were doing when it came to adulting and joked about waiting for the real grown-ups to show up and help out. We liked this idea of exploring the messiness of family life, relationships, and the notion that there is no one size fits all when it comes to family. We threw all our own experiences, good, bad, and everything in between, into the DNA of this show and let it evolve from there.
“Wylde Pak” chronicles the adventures of two half-siblings, Lily Pak and Jack Wylde, and their daily exploits as they adjust to their newly formed Korean American family. (Image: Nickelodeon)
How long did it take to get the show off the ground?
Kyle Marshall [c/o Nickelodeon]
Kyle Marshall: We originally pitched the concept to Nickelodeon in 2019, and it became part of their Intergalactic Shorts Program. We made a seven-minute short along with a series bible and a few sample scripts. It was a rollercoaster, as all development is, and that original short looks and feels completely different from what you see now. However, the family and their relationships remain the same (it even had a different title). It was cool to make that short and see what was working and what wasn’t. Small tweaks were made to the look, sound, and tone, which totally elevated the series once we started production. We wanted to push the show and were lucky to have the studios’ support in overhauling these elements, resulting in what is now Wylde Pak.
Can you describe the visual style of Wylde Pak?
Kyle: We wanted Wylde Pak to have its own unique look but still feel familiar. The series tries to capture the messiness and beauty of family dynamics, and it was important to us to have that reflected in the design. Our art director, JiSoo Kim, and her team nailed this idea. The backgrounds are all a bit wonky with a messier line, no perfect angles, or straight lines. The characters are animated in Harmony, and our animation studio, Jam Filled, created a line that looks more organic, giving it subtle movement with each frame. The directing and board teams also played a huge part in influencing the style. The compositions and backgrounds are dynamic and wonky, but what really makes it unique is the way our teams handle expressions and posing. Those boards influenced everyone down the line, from design and color to animation.
“Wylde Pak” premieres on Nickelodeon this Friday (June 6).
What sets the show apart in this busy animation market for children?
Kyle: The idea was to make a show that we enjoyed watching. We wanted the characters to be genuine and the stories to come from an honest place. They often start small and simple, then spiral out of control. Although the series has an arc, we viewed the season like a mixtape. You will tune in to watch the characters you love, but the episodes can be wildly different in tone, so you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into each week.
What were your biggest challenges?
Paul: We’ve been doing this for a few years now, and we wanted to step outside our comfort zone. We put together a team that would push us, just a crazy, talented group of people with different styles and experiences. We gave them freedom to run, and in the beginning, it was a little messy, but once we started putting it all together, we found exactly what we were looking for, and it was pretty amazing.
Wylde Pak [c/o Nickelodeon]
Who are your big animation heroes/inspirations?
Paul: Probably the three biggest influences were The Amazing World of Gumball, My Neighbors the Yamada’s and Freaks and Geeks.
What do you hope audiences will take away from the show?
Seonna Hong [c/o Nickelodeon]
Kyle: A few laughs, a couple tears, and to know that there’s not just one blueprint for a family.
Seonna Hong: We hope kids see themselves, their families and their friends in this show, whether it’s through multicultural, multigenerational, or blended family dynamics. All the characters are multi-dimensional too, which I think is important because that’s what makes it feel authentic too.
“Wylde Pak” follows half-siblings, Lily Pak (Nikki Castillo), a competitive and fun-loving 11-year-old girl, and Jack Wylde (Benjamin Plessala), an adventurous 13-year-old boy, as they navigate their evolving family dynamics, friendships, and hijinks within their newly formed Korean American family. (Nickelodeon)
Do you have a favorite storyline this season?
Kyle: It’s hard to pick just one, and we can’t be giving any spoilers, but the journey of their entire summer is a storyline we are proud of.
Seonna: And any episode with Halmoni!
Can you perhaps offer some advice for those who dream of launching their own animated show one day?
Kyle: The industry has dramatically changed since we started. There are so many alternative routes outside of the traditional studio model to get your work out there. Use them, don’t wait for a studio to come knocking. If you build it, they will come.
Wylde Pak premieres on Nickelodeon on Friday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT) in the U.S. and later this year internationally.
A New Nickelodeon Show Explores Blended Family Dynamics With Realness and Humor
'Wylde Pak' premieres in June.
From The Proud Family to Phineas and Ferb, kids shows have long been surprisingly adept at providing kids with examples of diverse and inclusive families. Now we can add another show to the list: Premiering on Nickelodeon on June 6th, Wylde Pak tells the story of a blended family. Kids will find plenty to giggle at, and parents will enjoy that the adult characters on the show have their own rich and funny plot arcs, too.
What is Wylde Pak All About?
Wylde Pak kicks off by introducing viewers to a newly formed family. The 30-minute premiere episode “Best Summer Ever?” introduces viewers to 13-year-old 11-year-old Jack and Lily. Lily lives a cozy, chaotic life with her dad, William Wylde, her mom Min-Ju Pak and Min’s mom, Halmoni.
Meanwhile, Jack has mostly lived on the road with his mother, Alice Kelly who is a documentarian. When Kelly worries that a nomadic life isn’t the best fit for Jack, she sends him to live with his dad and step-mom, and he and his half-sister Lily begin to navigate a whole new family dynamic together—but the new family set-up proves to be challenging, as the kids have spent most of their childhood living apart.
In addition to the tumultuous period of adjustment to a family in the wake of a big change, the Wylde-Pak family's pet grooming and boarding business, which the kids help run, is also in the mix.
With warmth, tenderness, and relatable humor, the show explores and reflects the challenges and rewards of life in a big, blended, close-knit family that experiences its fair share of conflict—with love at the heart of everything they do.
In this exclusive clip from the show, Lily and Jack team up to take advantage of the "perfect summer day."
What Kids and Parents Can Take Away from the Show
Paul Watling and Seonna Hong aren’t just the co-executive producers of Wylde Pak. They are also married IRL and their family life served as the inspiration for the show: When Watling and Hong married, he got a “two for one,” in that Watling also became step-father to Hong’s daughter.
A still from the Nickelodeon show 'Wylde Pak' showing all the main characters. | Photo: Parents/Nickelodeon
Kyle Marshall, an animator and creative partner of Watling, had also recently become a parent when they started sketching up the show that would eventually become Wylde Pak.
“We were laughing about how we had no idea what we were doing as new parents,” Watling says, explaining that his experience of becoming a step-parent was particularly poignant because he himself had been a step-child growing up. “Here I was in the shoes of a step-parent now, and there were so many amazing stories there.”
With Wylde Pak, he says that he, Marshall, and Hong set out to create a show that really explores and reflects the real-life messiness and beauty of everyone's first relationship, which is with their family.
In the show’s diversity and specificity, Hong hopes families watching will actually find a refreshing, relatable sense of authenticity in their depiction of a blended family, as well.
“There are characters on screen that you might not have seen before, and there are family dynamics that may not have been represented in animation before: Blended family, cultural dynamics, multi-generational dynamics at play. But at the heart of it, it's just a family trying to figure stuff out,” Hong says.
With a rich cast of characters, everyone in your family will be able to relate to the Wylde-Pak family in a different way. And though the animation style and overall tone of the show is quite different from Bluey, what it does have in common is a respect for the tender depths that can be reached by simply telling nuanced family stories that show both the messiness and the joy of growing up.
Here are the key characters your family will get to know in the first season:
Lily Pak
High-energy, curious and eager, Lily is an independent 11-year-old who longs to carve out her place in the world.
“Lily has grown up in a little bubble,” Watling says. “She's very comfortable in that bubble. She’s been living like an only child, so she's really close with her folks. She knows her town inside out. She's got her core friends. And she's very confident, outgoing. But when she's pushed outside of her comfort zone, she starts to unravel a little bit.”
Jack Wylde
After living largely with his mom, and traveling with her as she makes her world-renowned documentary films, Jack faces a big lifestyle change when he moves in with his dad, William.
“Jack has never set roots anywhere, he's not used to comfort. His comfort is in being a filmmaker with his mom,” explains Watling. “When he's forced to settle down in this town over the course of a summer with Lily, that pushes him outside of his comfort zone. So you can see we have this sort of a yin and yang, these characters who are very opposite. Hopefully through the course of the season, they see the benefit of having each other in their lives.”
William Wylde
Jack and Lily’s dad, a well-meaning, loving and occasionally-fumbling guy who is making it up as he goes along in a way that the adults watching with their kids will understand.
Min-Ju Pak
Juggling her marriage, her daughter, her mother, and now her step-son all under one roof (not to mention the pet grooming business), Min-Ju is a mom (and step-mom) with a lot on her plate.
Of writing the parent characters, Watling says, “We're really trying not to play into any stereotypes of parents, and we wanted to show the closeness of these parents, too. They have some really sweet moments on screen together. They're human beings with feelings for each other and for their families, and we wanted to explore that.”
Halmoni
The matriarch of the Wylde-Pak household, Halmoni is Lily’s grandmother. She is a balancing, grounding force in the home. Though she can be a bit unpredictable at times, she gives the kids (and adults!) a lot of love and care.
Wylde Pak premieres on Friday, June 6, and airs every Friday night on Nickelodeon.
