Festivals - Annecy 2025: Paramount and Nickelodeon unveil a bright future for the Smurfs, SpongeBob SquarePants, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

By Mulder, Annecy, Bonlieu Scène Nationale,, 10 june 2025

At the 2025 edition of the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Paramount Animation, in close collaboration with Nickelodeon Animation, treated festival-goers to a colorful and emotional panel discussion. Presented on Tuesday, June 10, in the Bonlieu Grand Theater, the event entitled Smurfs x SpongeBob x Turtles brought together several iconic figures of contemporary American animation to share an exclusive preview of the studio's upcoming projects. It was a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of a catalog that combines intergenerational icons, unbridled visual creativity, and bold storytelling.

Ramsey Naito, President of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, kicked off the event by highlighting the strategic importance of the three flagship licenses presented: The Smurfs, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. For Ramsey Naito, this panel was the perfect opportunity to reaffirm the studio's commitment to quality animation, while highlighting an inclusive and innovative approach that appeals to both younger generations and nostalgic adults. Her speech was followed by a series of artistic and technical presentations, each led by the star directors of the projects in progress.

The highlight of the panel was undoubtedly the presentation of the brand new film The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, previewed by director Derek Drymon. In this new adventure, set for release on December 19, 2025, SpongeBob sets off in search of Squidward Tentacles, who has mysteriously disappeared, accompanied by his sidekick Patrick Star. Their quest will take them to the spectral realm of the Flying Dutchman, voiced by none other than Mark Hamill, in a maritime setting that is at once strange, epic, and hilarious. Derek Drymon has revealed several exclusive clips, combining 3D animation and live action in a style reminiscent of the experimental tone of Sponge on the Run, while pushing the cultural references and meta nods to the world of Bikini Bottom even further.

Another highly anticipated project is the new feature film about The Smurfs, co-produced with IMPS and directed by Chris Miller, famous for his work on Shrek 3 and The Lego Movie. The film, which does not yet have an official title, has been described as a musical reimagining of the universe created by Peyo, with a modernized aesthetic that retains the graphic DNA of the little blue creatures. Chris Miller shared his thoughts on the tone of the film, which will combine humor, emotion, and original songs. Some concept art was shown, revealing lush environments, lively and expressive animation, and a particular emphasis on character diversity, with Smurfette playing a much more central role in the story.

Finally, fans of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles also got their adrenaline fix with the exclusive screening of TMNT: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey, a short film written and directed by Kent Seki. A direct sequel to the first installment released on Paramount+, this new adventure features Donatello, separated from his brothers in a stylized winter setting, in search of a mysterious enemy. Kent Seki described the project as a contemplative yet action-packed exercise in style, using lighting effects and painterly textures to create a unique visual atmosphere. Audiences enthusiastically welcomed this bold approach, which expands the visual universe of the turtles without betraying their essence.

In addition, Nickelodeon veteran Sean Charmatz took advantage of the panel to unveil SpongeBob: Order Up, a hilarious short film centered on the chaotic daily life of the Krabby Patty. The cartoonish approach, reminiscent of the early episodes of the series, delighted fans in attendance, thanks in part to the elastic animation and old-fashioned slapstick gags. Sean Charmatz said that the project aimed to reconnect with the simple and effective visual humor of the original series, while taking full advantage of the possibilities of today's digital animation techniques.

The Paramount/Nickelodeon panel at the 2025 Annecy Festival was one of the most generous and festive moments of the event. With major personalities such as Ramsey Naito, Derek Drymon, Chris Miller, Sean Charmatz, and Kent Seki in attendance, and the quality of the content on offer, it perfectly illustrated the creative vitality of a studio that is as committed to its cult franchises as it is to formal experimentation. It was a celebration of accessible, brilliant, and daring animation, reflecting the spirit of the festival itself.