SpongeBob SquarePants-themed LEGO sets could be set to be making a comeback in 2026, according to a new fan theory citing some recently emerged circumstantial evidence. The speculation centers on a small but notable trail of Nickelodeon-related licensing developments, similar to patterns seen with several other popular IPs just ahead of their LEGO collaborations being confirmed.
 |
| A fan designed LEGO SpongeBob set. | LEGO Ideas / Lanko |
SpongeBob already had an official LEGO theme, launched in 2006 through a partnership between Nickelodeon and the LEGO Group. The collaboration produced more than a dozen sets, with the final releases arriving in 2012 before being discontinued the following year. Since then, the SpongeBob license has changed hands multiple times in the brick-style toy market. Mega Bloks acquired the rights in 2014, releasing a line of construction toys, followed by Kawada in 2020, which used SpongeBob for Nanoblocks, its range of micro-building kits. In late 2023, AREA-X introduced its own SpongeBob line, launching 27 themed products over the next two years.
AREA-X has now announced that it's discontinuing all of its SpongeBob products at the end of 2025. This isn't a case of a line being retired by ending production, but products being actively delisted from all storefronts even if supplies still exist. Such a development suggests AREA-X's SpongeBob license may have expired, meaning the company no longer has the rights to use Nickelodeon's beloved franchise for commercial purposes. The newly confirmed product delistings are scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
The discontinuation of AREA-X’s SpongeBob SquarePants connecting block sets has prompted speculation that the iconic Nickelodeon franchise could soon return in LEGO form. As noted by Brick Fanatics, it is not uncommon for a LEGO competitor to lose a high-profile IP license shortly before that IP reappears under the LEGO brand. A similar pattern was observed earlier this year when Mattel's Mega brand announced it would stop selling its Pokemon products in December 2025, only for LEGO to announce its first-ever Pokemon collaboration a day later.
Since LEGO's discontinuation of its SpongeBob line, fans have been trying to bring the brand back to LEGO by creating fan sets using LEGO Ideas (aka Cuusoo).
Another circumstantial indicator supporting the LEGO SpongeBob comeback theory is the video game tie-in angle, centered on the new Fortnite crossover with SpongeBob. If the franchise were to reappear in LEGO form shortly afterward, it would mirror the pattern seen with The Simpsons, which received both a Fortnite collaboration and new LEGO sets in 2025. There's also the new SpongeBob movie, Search for SquarePants, which was released on Friday, December 19, further strengthening the possibility of additional licensed merchandise hitting the market in the near future.
Under the original partnership, LEGO released a raft of SpongeBob LEGO sets, including: Krusty Krab, Build-A-Bob, Adventures in Bikini Bottom, The Chum Bucket, Mrs. Puff's Boating School, The Bikini Bottom Express, Rocket Ride, SpongeBob’s Emergency, Krusty Krab Adventures, Good Neighbors at Bikini Bottom, Heroic Heroes of the Deep,Glove World, The Flying Dutchman, and Bikini Bottom Undersea Party.
LEGO’s past SpongeBob SquarePants sets were primarily aimed at younger audiences, ages 5 to 7 and up. It is unclear whether that approach would continue if the franchise returns as a LEGO theme in the near future. Recent rumors about 18+ Pokemon LEGO sets suggest that as core audiences age, the Danish toymaker may increasingly explore adult-oriented builds.
As for AREA-X, the Chinese brand is still selling 18 SpongeBob products via its official website until December 30. Prices range from $19.50 for Rolling in Money (Mr. Krabs Version) to $154 for SpongeBob's Pineapple House. Each individual purchase qualifies for a mystery gift, valued at $9.90, as part of the retailer's 2025 holiday season promotion.
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.
Shop SpongeBob: https://www.paramountshop.com/pages/spongebobsquarepants
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!
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!
