Movies - The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants: When Bob, Patrick, and the Flying Dutchman unleash the perfect Christmas chaos

By Mulder, 13 november 2025

In the excitement of the holiday season, when family outings abound, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is already shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited events, a highly colorful adventure that recaptures the zany spirit of the series created by Stephen Hillenburg while reviving the tradition of great maritime expeditions that have shaped the imagination of several generations of viewers. With a French release scheduled for December 24, 2025, this fourth film marks the triumphant return of SpongeBob, determined to prove to Mr. Krabs that he is now a “big boy” capable of facing a pirate's destiny. Between mysterious abysses and unlikely encounters, the film navigates with infectious enthusiasm, carried as much by the finesse of Pam Brady and Matt Lieberman's writing as by the experience of director Derek Drymon, a veteran of the series, who returns to his universe with jubilant ease, as evidenced by the enthusiastic response to the film's presentation at the prestigious AFI Film Festival on October 26, 2025.

One of the film's great strengths undoubtedly lies in its voice cast, a true celebration of the saga's historic voices and a renewed parade of talents who have enriched the mythology of Bikini Bottom. In the French version, the audience's attachment is preserved thanks to the essential return of Sébastien Desjours (SpongeBob) and Boris Rehlinger (Patrick Star), whose vocal chemistry gives the duo an inimitable, almost organic naturalness that has been built up over more than two decades. Alongside them, the film offers unexpected and particularly delightful reinforcements: Éric Antoine, a huge favorite among 7-14 year olds, a great magician, star host of La France a un incroyable talent and a personality with impeccable comic timing, embodies an irresistibly mischievous Flying Dutchman. This incarnation seems to have been written with him in mind, as his sense of showmanship is perfectly suited to the whimsical character of the fearsome ghost pirate. For her part, the unmissable creator and actress Natoo, whose humorous universe has shaped an entire generation on YouTube and social media, lends her voice to Barb, the Flying Dutchman's Machiavellian assistant: a sharp, explosive character whose cartoonish energy seems directly inspired by the artist's personality. The exceptional participation of Marine, the new star of the French scene who has already been awarded a gold record, adds a welcome touch of freshness as the amusement park usher, a brief but sparkling role that fits perfectly with the festive atmosphere of the feature film.

The original version is not to be outdone, bringing together a prestigious cast in which the faithful Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, and Mr. Lawrence reprise their iconic roles. The film also offers a stimulating renewal with the arrival of Mark Hamill, who takes over the role of the Flying Dutchman—succeeding Brian Doyle-Murray—bringing to this character a delightful theatrical panache that only actors of this caliber can instill. The adventure is further enriched by the presence of George Lopez, Isis “Ice Spice” Gaston, Arturo Castro, Sherry Cola, and Regina Hall, who were announced between San Diego Comic-Con 2024 and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2025. The music, meanwhile, returns to an epic orchestral atmosphere thanks to composer John Debney, who had already enhanced Sponge Out of Water in 2015. Fun fact: Ice Spice's original song, entitled Big Guy and unveiled on November 13, 2025, has already become a viral sensation, proving once again that the franchise has a unique talent for bringing together several generations around common cultural codes.

This new film also stands out for its particularly meticulous production. Developed in February 2022 and officially announced in 2023 by Paramount Pictures, the film benefits from the combined expertise of Lisa Stewart, Pam Brady, and Aaron Dem, and brings together the talents of Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon Movies, Domain Entertainment, and MRC. Its postponement from May to December 2025—a consequence of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike—has ultimately proved to be a providential opportunity, providing the film with an ideal window to become the big family Christmas release. The feature film will be preceded in theaters by an exclusive short film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey, a delightful nod to the TMNT universe and further proof that Paramount is banking on a truly transgenerational cinematic event.

The story, faithful to Stephen Hillenburg's philosophy, combines absurd humor, a spiral of incredible adventures, and sincere emotion. Seeing SpongeBob SquarePants try to prove his maturity to Mr. Krabs, while pursuing a ghost pirate to the darkest depths of the ocean, evokes both coming-of-age stories and traditional maritime epics. It is also an amusing reminder that, behind his assumed naivety, Bob has embodied a form of joyful resilience for more than twenty years, a way of facing the world with optimism despite adversity. The film's animators explain that certain abyssal sequences were conceived as a tribute to the early episodes of the series, when it still regularly dared to delve into dark, almost surreal areas—an idea directly supported by Marc Ceccarelli and Kaz, co-writers of the film's story.

Beyond the humor, this new SpongeBob adventure displays a consummate art of spectacular storytelling. Peter Lyons Collister's cinematography and Wyatt Jones's rhythmic editing create a constant flow of energy, reminding us that the world of Bikini Bottom has never ceased to be an explosive visual playground. The press notes emphasize the desire to preserve the artisanal spirit of the early seasons, while incorporating more modern animation technologies that allow for a richness of texture and dynamism never before seen in the franchise. Some animators say they were inspired by the “squishy realism” movement, a technique that makes the underwater environment more organic without sacrificing the cartoonish feel of the saga.

If we had to sum up the ambition of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, it would probably be to be a tribute, a rediscovery, and a celebration all at once. A tribute to the genius of Stephen Hillenburg, a rediscovery of a universe that still has the power to surprise after twenty-six years, and a celebration of a character who has become a global symbol of optimism, creative absurdity, and timeless good humor. The combination of cult French voices, international stars, a generous plot, and irresistible humor makes this film a must-see at the end of the year. Those who were able to attend the AFI preview recount a delightful anecdote: when Mark Hamill's Flying Dutchman first appeared, the audience spontaneously applauded, as if to welcome the return of an animated legend ready to sail once again toward glory.

All in all, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants promises to be one of the most enjoyable family films of the year, a work that is generous, tender, spectacular, and deeply faithful to the spirit of the original series. At a time when animated franchises sometimes struggle to reinvent themselves without losing their essence, this new installment proves that the world of Bikini Bottom has lost none of its magic. Get ready to laugh, shiver, marvel, and above all, dive back into this ocean of gentle madness where, more than ever, a sponge can be a hero... and where ghost pirates had better watch out.

Synopsis:
SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends from Bikini Bottom are setting sail for their biggest adventure yet on the big screen: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants Determined to prove to Mr. Krabs that he's finally a grown-up, SpongeBob sets off in search of the legendary Flying Dutchman, a fearsome ghost pirate. Prepare for a wild, underwater odyssey packed with laughs, chills, and chaotic escapades, plunging all the way into the ocean’s most mysterious abysses — places where no sponge has ever dared to dive!

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
Directed by Derek Drymon
Written by Pam Brady, Matt Lieberman
Story by Marc Ceccarelli, Kaz, Pam Brady
Based on SpongeBob SquarePants by Stephen Hillenburg
Produced by Lisa Stewart, Pam Brady, Aaron Dem
Starring Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence, George Lopez, Isis “Ice Spice” Gaston, Arturo Castro, Sherry Cola, Regina Hall, Mark Hamill
Cinematography: Peter Lyons Collister
Edited by Wyatt Jones
Music by John Debney
Production companies: Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon Movies
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release dates: October 26, 2025 (AFI Film Festival), December 19, 2025 (United States), December 24, 2025 (France)
Running time: 96 minutes