The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run
{{Short description|2020 animated/live action film by Tim Hill}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox film
| image = The SpongeBob Movie - Sponge on the Run.png
| caption = Paramount+ release poster
| alt = Patrick Star and SpongeBob SquarePants using binoculars. SpongeBob is holding a pamphlet showing his missing pet sea snail Gary.
| director = Tim Hill
| screenplay = Tim Hill
| story = {{plainlist|
- Tim Hill
- Jonathan Aibel
Glenn Berger
}}
| based_on = {{Based on|SpongeBob SquarePants|Stephen Hillenburg}}
| starring = {{Plainlist|
- Tom Kenny
- Awkwafina
- Matt Berry
- Clancy Brown
- Rodger Bumpass
- Snoop Dogg
- Bill Fagerbakke
- Tiffany Haddish
- Carolyn Lawrence
- Mr. Lawrence
- Keanu Reeves
- Danny Trejo
- Reggie Watts}}
| music = {{Plainlist|
- Hans Zimmer
- Steve Mazzaro
}}
| cinematography = Peter Lyons Collister
| editing = Michael W. Andrews{{cite web|url=https://tribecafilm.com/films/spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-2020|title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run|work=Tribeca Film Festival|access-date=November 30, 2020|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204090056/https://www.tribecafilm.com/films/spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-2020|url-status=dead}}
| production_companies = {{Plainlist|
- Paramount Animation
- Nickelodeon Movies
- United Plankton Pictures
- MRC{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/hollywood-reporter-parent-rebrands-to-mrc-1202992082/|title=THR Parent Valence Media Rebrands As MRC|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Jill Goldsmith|date=July 22, 2020|access-date=August 19, 2020|archive-date=July 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722200904/https://deadline.com/2020/07/hollywood-reporter-parent-rebrands-to-mrc-1202992082/|url-status=live}}}}
| distributor = {{Plainlist|
- Paramount Pictures (Canada and China)
- Paramount+ (United States)
}}
| released = {{Film date|2020|8|14|Canada|2020|11|5|International|2021|3|4|United States}}
| country = United States
| language = English
| gross = $4.8 million{{cite Box Office Mojo |id=4823776 |title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run |access-date=March 4, 2021}}{{cite the numbers |id=SpongeBob-Movie-Sponge-on-the-Run-The-(2020)|title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run|access-date=March 4, 2021}}
}}
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run is a 2020 American animated adventure comedy film based on the television series SpongeBob SquarePants. Written and directed by series {{nowrap|co-developer}} and former writer Tim Hill, who {{nowrap|co-wrote}} the story with Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger,{{cite web|url=https://dx35vtwkllhj9.cloudfront.net/paramountpictures/spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run/spongebob_us_credits.pdf|title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Domestic Guild mandated print credits|website=spongebobmovie.com|date=August 24, 2020|access-date=August 24, 2020|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928194404/https://dx35vtwkllhj9.cloudfront.net/paramountpictures/spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run/spongebob_us_credits.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2020/03/tribeca-2020-feature-lineup-1202214949/|title=Tribeca 2020 Unveils Features Lineup: The Trip to Greece, King of Staten Island, Bad Education, and Shirley|work=IndieWire|author=Kate Erbland|date=March 3, 2020|access-date=June 15, 2020|archive-date=December 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210065937/https://www.indiewire.com/2020/03/tribeca-2020-feature-lineup-1202214949/|url-status=live}} it stars the series' regular voice cast and includes new characters (both live-action and animated) performed by Awkwafina, Snoop Dogg, Tiffany Haddish, Keanu Reeves, Danny Trejo, and Reggie Watts. The film follows SpongeBob on a journey to Atlantic City to rescue his kidnapped pet snail, Gary. The film is dedicated to creator Stephen Hillenburg, who died in 2018, and also served as an executive producer on the project. It is the third theatrical film based on the series, following Sponge Out of Water in 2015.
Development for a third SpongeBob film began in April 2015, two months after the release of Sponge Out of Water. By January 2016, Aibel and Berger had been hired to write the film, and by April 2018, Hill was onboard as director. It is the first film in the franchise to be fully animated in stylized computer-generated imagery (as opposed to being entirely animated in 2D like the first film, or mixing 2D and CGI animation together like in the second film). Hans Zimmer composed the film's score.
The film was produced by Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon Movies, and United Plankton Pictures, with animation provided by Mikros Image. Originally slated for a worldwide theatrical release by Paramount Pictures, plans were changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film was released theatrically in Canada on August 14, 2020, and digitally on Netflix in other territories on November 5, 2020. It was released as a premium video-on-demand offering and a Paramount+ launch title in the United States on March 4, 2021. Sponge on the Run received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for the animation and loyalty to the series. The film was nominated for Favorite Animated Movie at the 2022 Kids' Choice Awards, but lost to Encanto. A fourth theatrical film, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, is set to release on December 19, 2025.
Plot
In Bikini Bottom, Plankton works on a new plan to steal the Krabby Patty formula while Karen argues that SpongeBob is actually responsible for all his previous failures and not Mr. Krabs. Meanwhile, in Atlantic City, selfish ruler King Poseidon uses up all the slime from his latest sea snail, which is necessary to maintain his appearance. Poseidon decrees the obtaining of a new snail, and Plankton kidnaps SpongeBob's pet snail Gary so that SpongeBob will no longer interfere with his plans. The next morning, SpongeBob learns from Patrick that Gary was taken to Atlantic City. As part of his plan, Plankton offers Otto, a robot built by Sandy, to take them to the city, hoping they never return. Without SpongeBob cooking Krabby Patties, the Krusty Krab's enraged customers trash the restaurant despite Mr. Krabs and Squidward's efforts to stop them.
Otto drives SpongeBob and Patrick to an old Western town where they meet a tumbleweed spirit named Sage. He reveals to SpongeBob and Patrick that they are dreaming, and must overcome a special mission to continue their search, giving them a "Challenge Coin" to grant them bravery. They enter a tavern haunted by ghostly zombie pirates and decide to free their souls from the evil spirit "El Diablo". Diablo traps the duo, but is accidentally disintegrated by them, freeing the pirates' souls as SpongeBob and Patrick are woken up by Otto.
Now accompanied by Sage, SpongeBob discovers that Poseidon will enslave him with the rest of his previous snails when Gary's slime runs out. Arriving at Atlantic City, Sage warns the pair not to be distracted by the city's attractions, but they ignore his warnings. After a fun-filled night, SpongeBob and Patrick discover that they have lost the "Challenge Coin" that allowed them to be brave, but they nonetheless enter Poseidon's palace. Both are arrested and imprisoned in the dungeon when they try to take Gary.
Back in Bikini Bottom, Plankton arrives at the Krusty Krab, in which Mr. Krabs willingly gives him the formula, feeling depressed without SpongeBob, causing Plankton to feel unsatisfied. Later, upon hearing that SpongeBob and Patrick will be executed in a luxury show in Poseidon's Palace, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, Sandy, and a repentant Plankton decide to save them.
In prison, Sage reveals to SpongeBob and Patrick that the "Challenge Coin" never had powers and that the bravery came from themselves. Before SpongeBob and Patrick can be executed, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, Plankton, and Sandy burst into the show to testify in favor of SpongeBob. Along with Patrick, each recounts their experience with SpongeBob at a summer camp, earning the audience's gratitude. Afterwards, the group performs a musical number to distract Poseidon and take Gary. Poseidon realizes the distraction and orders his guards to capture the group. SpongeBob and his friends manage to escape the guards and head towards the exit, but are once again cornered when Otto leaves them behind.
Poseidon offers to drop charges against the group if SpongeBob leaves Gary with him. SpongeBob refuses, arguing that his friends decided to rescue him even if they risked death. When Poseidon discovers he has no friends and reveals that he needs the slime for his appearance, SpongeBob offers to be his friend. Poseidon removes all his arrangements and returns to his true appearance; everyone accepts his look, and Poseidon allows SpongeBob to take Gary back home. He also releases all his enslaved snails to accompany them back to Bikini Bottom.
Cast
{{See also|List of SpongeBob SquarePants characters{{!}}List of SpongeBob SquarePants characters}}
The series' regular voice cast reprised their roles for the film.{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/spongebob-squarepants-3-movie-release-date-production/|title='SpongeBob SquarePants 3' Begins Production|work=ComicBook|date=January 23, 2019|access-date=June 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124041828/https://comicbook.com/movies/2019/01/23/spongebob-squarepants-3-movie-release-date-production/|archive-date=January 24, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-3/|title=Third 'SpongeBob SquarePants' movie has begun production|work=Alternative Press|date=January 22, 2019|access-date=February 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124030959/https://www.altpress.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-3/|archive-date=January 24, 2019|url-status=live}}
- Tom Kenny as SpongeBob SquarePants, Gary the Snail and French Narrator
- Antonio Raul Corbo as Young SpongeBob
- Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star
- Jack Gore as Young Patrick
- Rodger Bumpass as Squidward Tentacles
- Jason Maybaum as Young Squidward
- Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs
- Mr. Lawrence as Plankton
- Jill Talley as Karen
- Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy Cheeks
- Presley Williams as Young Sandy
- Mary Jo Catlett as Mrs. Puff
- Tim Hill as Documentary Narrator
- Matt Berry as King Poseidon{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/snail-of-a-tale-tim-hill-gives-us-the-scoop-on-the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run/|title=Snail of a Tale: Tim Hill Gives Us the Scoop on The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run|work=Animation Magazine|author=Mercedes Milligan|date=June 11, 2020|access-date=June 11, 2020|archive-date=June 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611222143/https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/snail-of-a-tale-tim-hill-gives-us-the-scoop-on-the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run/|url-status=live}}
- Awkwafina as Otto{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/paramount-plans-spice-girls-movie-as-part-newly-unveiled-animation-slate-1217519/|title='Spice Girls' Movie in the Works as Paramount Unveils Animation Slate (Exclusive)|first=Carolyn|last=Giardina|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=June 12, 2019|access-date=June 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612145051/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/paramount-plans-spice-girls-movie-as-part-newly-unveiled-animation-slate-1217519|archive-date=June 12, 2019|url-status=live}}
- Keanu Reeves as Sage
- Snoop Dogg as The Gambler{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2019/6/snoop-dogg-jimmy-kimmel-live-lakers-nba-finals-video-interview|title=Snoop Dogg Talks Lakers and NBA Finals on 'Jimmy Kimmel'|website=HYPEBEAST|date=June 14, 2019|access-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617133805/https://hypebeast.com/2019/6/snoop-dogg-jimmy-kimmel-live-lakers-nba-finals-video-interview|archive-date=June 17, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/the-spongebob-movie-super-bowl-trailer-shows-off-fast-cars-flashbacks-snoop-dogg-video/|title='The Spongebob Movie' Super Bowl Trailer Shows Off 'Fast Cars, Flashbacks, Snoop Dogg' (Video)|first=Brian|last=Welk|work=TheWrap|date=January 29, 2020|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129223117/https://www.thewrap.com/the-spongebob-movie-super-bowl-trailer-shows-off-fast-cars-flashbacks-snoop-dogg-video/|url-status=live}}
- Danny Trejo as El Diablo
- Tiffany Haddish as Master of Ceremonies{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/reviews/article-spongebob-squarepants-sponge-on-the-run-is-straightforward-and-not-as/|title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run is not the thrilling adventure my kids were hoping for|work=The Globe and Mail|author=Aparita Bhandari|date=August 13, 2020|access-date=August 15, 2020|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815015511/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/reviews/article-spongebob-squarepants-sponge-on-the-run-is-straightforward-and-not-as/|url-status=live}}
- Reggie Watts as Chancellor{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5apFtnriKU|title=Go Behind the Scenes of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run|medium=Video|publisher=Cineplex Movies|via=YouTube|date=August 14, 2020|access-date=August 14, 2020|archive-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119180809/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5apFtnriKU&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}
Pearl Krabs (voiced by Lori Alan) also appears in a deleted scene that is included on the film's Blu-Ray release.{{cite AV media|people=Springer, Aaron (storyboard artist)|date=February 2, 2021|title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run deleted scenes|publisher=Paramount Home Entertainment|type=Blu-Ray}}
Production
= Development =
In a February 2015 interview discussing The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water{{'s}} success at the box office, Megan Colligan, president of worldwide distribution and marketing at Paramount Pictures, stated the possibility of a third film was "a good bet."{{cite web|title='SpongeBob' Soaks Up $55 Million to Swamp 'Jupiter Ascending,' 'Seventh Son' at Box Office|date=February 9, 2015|url=https://www.thewrap.com/spongebob-soaks-up-55-million-to-swamp-jupiter-ascending-seventh-son-at-box-office/|publisher=The Wrap|first=Todd|last=Cunningham|access-date=February 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613043339/https://www.thewrap.com/spongebob-soaks-up-55-million-to-swamp-jupiter-ascending-seventh-son-at-box-office/|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live}} In another interview, Paramount vice-chairman Rob Moore remarked, "Hopefully, it won't take 10 years to make another film," in reference to the time passed between The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004) and its 2015 sequel.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/box-office-spongebob-capsizes-jupiter-767768/|title=Box Office: 'SpongeBob' Capsizes 'Jupiter Ascending,' 'Seventh Son' With $56M|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 8, 2015|access-date=June 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127083321/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-spongebob-capsizes-jupiter-767768|archive-date=November 27, 2015|url-status=live}} Later in 2015, it was revealed that Paramount was developing sequels to its franchises, including another SpongeBob film.{{cite tweet|user=Viacom|number=593762894103375872|date=April 30, 2015|title=@ParamountPics is in development on sequels to existing franchises: @WorldWarZMovie, @JackReacher & @SpongeBobMovie - TD}}
The film was initially scheduled for release in 2019,{{cite news|last=Bramesco|first=Charles|date=November 11, 2015|title=Paramount Lays Plans 'SpongeBob SquarePants 3' And More Animated Films|url=https://screencrush.com/spongebob-squarepants-3/|work=ScreenCrush|access-date=November 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021010044/http://screencrush.com/spongebob-squarepants-3/|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}} before being delayed to 2020.{{cite news|last=McNary|first=Dave|title='The SpongeBob Movie' Release Pushed Back to 2020|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/paramount-delays-spongebob-movie-release-until-2020-1202645765/|work=Variety|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=December 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222230342/http://variety.com/2017/film/news/paramount-delays-spongebob-movie-release-until-2020-1202645765/|archive-date=December 22, 2017|url-status=live}} By January 2016, Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, who previously wrote for Sponge Out of Water, had been hired to write the film.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/jonathan-aibel-glenn-berger-kung-fu-panda-3-trolls-interview/|title=Screenwriters Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger on 'Kung Fu Panda 3', 'Trolls' and 'Monster Truck'|publisher=Collider|last=Weintraub|first=Steve|date=January 29, 2016|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202042624/http://collider.com/jonathan-aibel-glenn-berger-kung-fu-panda-3-trolls-interview/|archive-date=February 2, 2016|url-status=live}}
In March 2017, Paramount president Marc Evans announced that the studio would work closely with Viacom on its TV brands, including the SpongeBob film.{{cite web|title=Paramount Teases Nickelodeon-Based Feature Toon Lineup Including 'The Loud House'|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|date=March 28, 2017|url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/spongebob-loud-house-sherlock-gnomes-1202054433/|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=October 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025080109/http://deadline.com/2017/03/spongebob-loud-house-sherlock-gnomes-1202054433/|archive-date=October 25, 2017|url-status=live}} During the same month, Yahoo! Entertainment stated that the film would be titled The SpongeBob Movie.{{cite tweet|user=YahooEnt|author=Yahoo Entertainment|author-link=Yahoo!|number=846880451906064384|title=Paramount confirms new SpongeBob movie for 2019, will be called... "The SpongeBob Movie." #Cinemacon|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=June 22, 2020}}
In April 2018, the film's official title was revealed as The SpongeBob Movie: It's a Wonderful Sponge, and SpongeBob co-developer Tim Hill was announced as director and writer for the film.{{cite web|last=Donnelly|first=Matt|title=Paramount Animation Sets Three New Films, Including 'SpongeBob' Sequel|url=https://www.thewrap.com/paramount-animation-sets-three-new-films-including-spongebob-sequel/|access-date=April 26, 2018|work=The Wrap|date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426035935/https://www.thewrap.com/paramount-animation-sets-three-new-films-including-spongebob-sequel/|archive-date=April 26, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Giardina|first=Carolyn|title=Paramount Grows Its Animation Slate With 'Monster on the Hill,' 'Luck'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/paramount-grows-animation-slate-monster-hill-luck-1105912/|access-date=June 27, 2022|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426052040/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/paramount-grows-animation-slate-monster-hill-luck-1105912|archive-date=April 26, 2018|url-status=live}} It was reported later in the year that the film would be written by Aibel, Berger, and Michael Kvamme.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/the-spongebob-movie-new-release-date-july-2020-1202432567/|title=Paramount's 'The SpongeBob Movie' To Soak Up Mid-July 2020|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 24, 2018|access-date=July 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724184125/https://deadline.com/2018/07/the-spongebob-movie-new-release-date-july-2020-1202432567/|archive-date=July 24, 2018|url-status=dead}} The principal cast – Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Clancy Brown, Mr. Lawrence, Rodger Bumpass, Carolyn Lawrence, Jill Talley, Mary Jo Catlett, and Lori Alan – all reprise the roles as their respective characters from the series and the previous films including, Antonio Raul Corbo, Niketa Calame, Jack Gore, Presley Williams and Jason Maybaum as Young SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy and Squidward respectively.{{cite web|last=Anderton|first=Ethan|title=Paramount Animation Announces SpongeBob Sequel 'It's a Wonderful Sponge', Two More Animated Movies|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/557844/spongebob-squarepants-movie-sequel/|website=:/Film|access-date=June 27, 2022|date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613160629/https://www.slashfilm.com/spongebob-squarepants-movie-sequel/|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live}} In October 2018, at the VIEW Conference in Turin, Italy, Paramount Animation president Mireille Soria revealed the plot for the film. The same day, Hans Zimmer was announced as the composer for the film, while Paris and Montreal-based Mikros Image would handle animation for the film, which would be created entirely through computer animation.{{cite web|url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/the-spongebob-movie-its-a-wonderful-sponge-will-be-an-origin-story-165568.html|title=The SpongeBob Movie: It's a Wonderful Sponge Will Be An Origin Story|work=Cartoon Brew|author=Amid Amidi|date=October 23, 2018|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031015013/https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/the-spongebob-movie-its-a-wonderful-sponge-will-be-an-origin-story-165568.html|archive-date=October 31, 2018|url-status=live}}
On June 12, 2019, it was announced that Reggie Watts and Awkwafina were added to the cast while Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman, who wrote a song for The SpongeBob Musical, would be writing original songs for the film. It was also announced that Mia Michaels would be choreographing and Ali Dee Theodore would add an original song for the film. The next day, Snoop Dogg announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that he would be in the film.
On November 12, 2019, it was revealed that the film's title was changed from It's a Wonderful Sponge to Sponge on the Run, along with the casting of Keanu Reeves.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/movies/spongebob-is-back-the-man-behind-the-voice-tom-kenny-on-returning-for-a-big-screen-adventure/|title=SpongeBob Is Back! The Man Behind the Voice, Tom Kenny, on Returning for a Big Screen Adventure|last=Telling|first=Gillian|date=November 12, 2019|website=People|access-date=November 12, 2019|archive-date=November 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117083502/https://people.com/movies/spongebob-is-back-the-man-behind-the-voice-tom-kenny-on-returning-for-a-big-screen-adventure/|url-status=live}}
= Filming =
On January 22, 2019, it was confirmed that production on the film had officially begun. Like its predecessors, the film includes live-action sequences, and unlike the previous films, the animated sequences of the film are entirely computer-animated. Larry Fong was initially reported to serve as the film's cinematographer,{{cite web|last=Franklin|first=Garth|title=Third "SpongeBob" Film Begins Production|url=https://www.darkhorizons.com/third-spongebob-film-begins-production/|website=Dark Horizons|date=January 23, 2019|access-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726174628/https://www.darkhorizons.com/third-spongebob-film-begins-production/|archive-date=July 26, 2019|url-status=live}} but for unknown reasons, Peter Lyons Collister ended up solely with the credit.
Soundtrack
{{Main|The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (soundtrack){{!}}The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (soundtrack)}}
Interscope Records released the film's soundtrack on March 5, 2021. Artists who are part of the original soundtrack include Becky G, Swae Lee, J Balvin, Tyga, Lil Mosey, Tainy, Weezer, Snoop Dogg, The Flaming Lips, and Kenny G.{{cite web |title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/spongebob-movie-sponge-on-run-original-motion-picture/1556183506 |website=Apple Music |date=March 5, 2021 |access-date=March 7, 2021 |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215022310/https://music.apple.com/us/album/spongebob-movie-sponge-on-run-original-motion-picture/1556183506 |url-status=live }} Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman also co-wrote the track "Secret to the Formula". Previous material that are part of the film but not on the soundtrack album are "Slow Ride" by Foghat, "Dream Weaver" by Gary Wright, Weezer's cover of the a-ha song "Take On Me", and Kenny G's cover of "My Heart Will Go On" from the film Titanic. The score for the film was composed by Hans Zimmer and Steve Mazzaro. It marks as Zimmer's second score for a Nickelodeon film, following Rango, and his second score for a film based on an animated series, after The Simpsons Movie.
Release
= Theatrical and streaming =
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run was originally scheduled to be theatrically released on February 9, 2019, by Paramount Pictures.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/11/10/spongebob-3-little-prince-release-dates/|title=Paramount Animation announces release dates for 'SpongeBob 3,' 'Little Prince'|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=March 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423182110/https://ew.com/article/2015/11/10/spongebob-3-little-prince-release-dates/|archive-date=April 23, 2019|url-status=live}} It was then pushed back to August 2, 2019, before being delayed nearly a year to July 31, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/12/johnny-knoxville-action-point-spongebob-squarepant-movie-release-dates-paramount-1202229994/|title=Paramount Moves Johnny Knoxville Comedy 'Action Point' To Summer, 'SpongeBob' Heads To 2020 & More|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|date=December 19, 2017|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=March 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613160910/https://deadline.com/2017/12/johnny-knoxville-action-point-spongebob-squarepant-movie-release-dates-paramount-1202229994/|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=dead}} It was moved four more times: to July 17, 2020, May 22, 2020,{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/02/the-spongebob-movie-moved-by-paramount-to-a-may-22-2020-opener-1202547962/|title=The SpongeBob Movie Moves To May 2020 For Paramount|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Bruce Haring|date=February 2, 2019|access-date=March 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203104329/https://deadline.com/2019/02/the-spongebob-movie-moved-by-paramount-to-a-may-22-2020-opener-1202547962/|archive-date=February 3, 2019|url-status=live}}
July 31 (as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic),{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/04/top-gun-maverick-flies-to-christmas-corridor-spongebob-eyes-late-summer-quiet-place-ii-to-debut-labor-day-1202898738/|title=Top Gun Maverick Flies To Christmas Corridor, SpongeBob Eyes Late Summer, Quiet Place II To Debut Labor Day|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=April 2, 2020|access-date=April 2, 2020|archive-date=April 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402204139/https://deadline.com/2020/04/top-gun-maverick-flies-to-christmas-corridor-spongebob-eyes-late-summer-quiet-place-ii-to-debut-labor-day-1202898738/|url-status=live}} and finally August 7, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/04/the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-new-release-date-1202908177/|title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On the Run Takes Over Infinites Early August Slot|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=April 14, 2020|access-date=April 14, 2020|archive-date=April 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424193113/https://deadline.com/2020/04/the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-new-release-date-1202908177/|url-status=live}} In June 2020, it was announced that the film's theatrical release had been cancelled and it would instead be released through video on demand and CBS All Access (now Paramount+) in early 2021.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/spongebob-movie-skipping-theaters-cbs-all-access-1203539493/|title=SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Skipping Theaters to Launch On Demand and CBS All Access (EXCLUSIVE)|work=Variety|author=Rebecca Rubin|date=June 22, 2020|access-date=June 22, 2020|archive-date=June 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623134616/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/spongebob-movie-skipping-theaters-cbs-all-access-1203539493/|url-status=live}} In December 2020, it was revealed that the film would be releasing in February 2021.{{cite web|url=http://happyholidays.spongebobmovie.com/|title=Happy Holidays from The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run!|website=happyholidays.spongebobmovie.com|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=January 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123145040/http://happyholidays.spongebobmovie.com/|url-status=dead}} On January 28, 2021, it was announced that the film would release on March 4, 2021, the same day CBS All Access rebranded as Paramount+.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-release-paramount-plus-march-launch/|title=SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run to Debut on Paramount+ at March Launch|work=TheWrap|author=Brian Welk|date=January 28, 2021|access-date=January 28, 2021|archive-date=July 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712184829/https://www.thewrap.com/spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-release-paramount-plus-march-launch/|url-status=live}} In addition to the ViacomCBS streaming service, the film was available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and other digital platforms.{{cite web|url=https://toonado.com/movies/the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-will-premiere-on-march-4-heres-where-you-can-watch-it-a4316#gs.u9u5qv|title=THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN Will Premiere On March 4; Here's Where You Can Watch It|work=Toonado|author=MattIsForReal|date=February 4, 2021|access-date=February 22, 2021|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303060154/https://toonado.com/movies/the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-will-premiere-on-march-4-heres-where-you-can-watch-it-a4316#gs.u9u5qv|url-status=live}}
In July 2020, Netflix acquired international distribution rights to the film, excluding the United States, Canada, and China.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/spongebob-sponge-on-the-run-foreign-rights-sold-to-netflix-1202986875/|title=Viacom Unloads Foreign Rights For SpongeBob: Sponge On The Run To Netflix|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=July 15, 2020|access-date=July 15, 2020|archive-date=July 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717082607/https://deadline.com/2020/07/spongebob-sponge-on-the-run-foreign-rights-sold-to-netflix-1202986875/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/netflix-acquires-spongebob-spong-on-the-run-international-viacom-1234707825/|title=Netflix Acquires SpongeBob: Sponge on the Run International Rights From Viacom (EXCLUSIVE)|work=Variety|author1=Matt Donnelly|author2=Brent Lang|date=July 15, 2020|access-date=August 1, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107135721/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/netflix-acquires-spongebob-spong-on-the-run-international-viacom-1234707825/|url-status=live}} On July 30, 2020, Paramount Pictures Canada announced that the film would be released in Canadian theaters on August 14, 2020.{{cite tweet|number=1288988083514482688|title=The happiest place on earth is a pineapple under the sea! Paramount Pictures Canada is excited to announce that THE #SPONGEBOBMOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN will open exclusively in Canadian theatres on August 14th.|user=ParamountCanada|author=Paramount Canada|date=July 30, 2020|access-date=July 30, 2020}} Between the Netflix and Paramount+ deals, Paramount recouped the entire production cost of the film. The film was released internationally on Netflix on November 5, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a34484315/spongebob-sponge-on-the-run-netflix-premiere-date/|title=New SpongeBob movie that skipped cinemas is coming to Netflix very soon|work=Digital Spy|author=Amy West|date=October 26, 2020|access-date=November 2, 2020|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129040202/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a34484315/spongebob-sponge-on-the-run-netflix-premiere-date/|url-status=live}}
= Home media =
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run was released on DVD and Blu-ray on February 2, 2021, in Canada.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.ca/SpongeBob-Movie-Sponge-Blu-ray-Combo/dp/B08S57W95B/|title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run [Blu-ray Combo] - Amazon.ca|work=Amazon|date=July 30, 2020|access-date=August 2, 2020|archive-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202142113/https://www.amazon.ca/SpongeBob-Movie-Sponge-Blu-ray-Combo/dp/B08S57W95B|url-status=live}} In the U.S., the film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on July 13, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-due-on-disc-july-13/|title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Due on Disc July 13|work=Media Play News|author=Stephanie Prange|date=May 6, 2021|access-date=May 8, 2021|archive-date=May 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507035858/https://www.mediaplaynews.com/the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-due-on-disc-july-13/|url-status=live}}
Reception
= Box office =
In the film's debut Canadian weekend, it grossed $865,824 from 300 theaters. Since Canada's grosses are factored into American totals, Sponge on the Run finished first at the box office, and had the highest weekend total for a film since the start of the pandemic.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/sponge-on-the-run-unhinged-kick-off-domestic-weekend-box-office-in-canada-sunday-1203014611/|title=Sponge On The Run & Unhinged Kick Off Domestic Weekend Box Office In Canada – Sunday|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=August 16, 2020|access-date=August 16, 2020|archive-date=August 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816152651/https://deadline.com/2020/08/sponge-on-the-run-unhinged-kick-off-domestic-weekend-box-office-in-canada-sunday-1203014611/|url-status=live}} IndieWire estimated that had the film had a traditional North American theatrical release it would have opened to $25–30 million, including a $3 million total from Canada.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2020/08/canadian-box-office-unhinged-sponge-on-the-run-1234580450/|title=Canadian Box Office Reopens as Unhinged and SpongeBob Movie Take the Lead|work=IndieWire|author=Tom Brueggemann|date=August 17, 2020|access-date=August 20, 2020|archive-date=August 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820204549/https://www.indiewire.com/2020/08/canadian-box-office-unhinged-sponge-on-the-run-1234580450/|url-status=live}} In its second weekend, despite being added to an additional 26 theaters, the film dropped 36% to $550,000, finishing second behind Unhinged.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/unhinged-slowly-fastening-domestic-b-o-back-together-with-1-4m-friday-in-marketplace-where-ca-ny-are-still-largely-closed-1203019191/|title=Unhinged Sees Increased Business On Saturday For $4M Opening As Exhibition Turns Lights Back On|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=August 23, 2020|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124007/https://deadline.com/2020/08/unhinged-slowly-fastening-domestic-b-o-back-together-with-1-4m-friday-in-marketplace-where-ca-ny-are-still-largely-closed-1203019191/|url-status=live}} In its third weekend the film made $400,000 from 314 theaters,{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/weekend-box-office-chart|title=Weekend Domestic Chart for August 28, 2020|website=The Numbers|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-date=February 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217153451/https://www.the-numbers.com/weekend-box-office-chart|url-status=live}} then $345,000 in its fourth weekend, for a month-long running total of $3.6 million.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/09/tenet-opening-weekend-box-office-1234571662/|title=Tenet Finally Opens Stateside: Warner Bros. Movie Resuscitates Exhibition With $20M+ Over Labor Day Weekend, $150M WW To Date|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=September 6, 2020|access-date=September 6, 2020|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920145318/https://deadline.com/2020/09/tenet-opening-weekend-box-office-1234571662/|url-status=live}}
= VOD rentals =
In its first weekend of digital release in the U.S., the film was the most-rented title on FandangoNow, fourth on Google Play, and fifth on Apple TV.{{cite news |date= March 8, 2021 |last= Brueggemann |first= Tom |title= Amazon Scores with 'Coming 2 America,' Driving Prime Video App Downloads |url= https://www.indiewire.com/2021/03/amazon-coming-2-america-prime-video-app-downloads-1234622038/ |website= IndieWire |access-date= March 9, 2021 |archive-date= March 9, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210309041040/https://www.indiewire.com/2021/03/amazon-coming-2-america-prime-video-app-downloads-1234622038/ |url-status= live }}
= Critical response =
On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, {{RT data|score}} of {{RT data|count}} critics have given the film a positive review, with an average rating of {{RT data|average}}. The site's critics consensus reads, "Although its story may leave fans on the surface, The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run is a wondrously wacky visit to Bikini Bottom that retains the charm of the original series."{{cite Rotten Tomatoes |id={{RT data|rtid|noprefix=y}} |type=movie |title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run |access-date={{RT data|access date}} }} On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 65 out of 100 based on reviews from 20 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{cite Metacritic |title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run |id=the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run |type=movie |access-date=March 6, 2021 }}
Writing for IndieWire, David Ehrlich gave the film a grade of B− and said, "Even the weakest bits get by on good vibes and meta-cleverness ([Keanu] Reeves has become something of a human meme in recent years, but Sponge on the Run milks the actor's brand for a number of solid laughs), and the animation is detailed and inventive enough for the whole film to feel drenched in SpongeBob's demented energy."{{cite news |last= Ehrlich |first= David |title= 'The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run' Review: Keanu Reeves and Gary the Snail Anchor a Manic Adventure |url= https://www.indiewire.com/2021/02/the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-review-1234619699/ |date= February 27, 2021 |work= IndieWire |access-date= February 27, 2021 |archive-date= February 28, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210228021903/https://www.indiewire.com/2021/02/the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-review-1234619699/ |url-status= live }} Writing for CTV News, Richard Crouse gave the film 3.5 stars and wrote: "Sponge on the Run brings with it the usual anarchy, inside jokes and unexpected celebrity cameos, but at its little osmotic heart is SpongeBob, a character who belongs to the same genus of entertainers as Soupy Sales, Stan Laurel and Pee-wee Herman."{{cite web |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/entertainment/movie-reviews-the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-is-enjoyable-for-fans-old-and-young-1.5062648 |title=Movie reviews: 'The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on The Run' is enjoyable for fans old and young |work=CTV News |author=Richard Crouse |date=August 14, 2020 |access-date=August 14, 2020 |archive-date=August 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814122036/https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/entertainment/movie-reviews-the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-is-enjoyable-for-fans-old-and-young-1.5062648 |url-status=live }} The Hollywood Reporter{{'}}s David Rooney called the film "fast, fun, [and] demented" and wrote: "The technological overhaul from 2D doesn't diminish the vibrant personalities of the character animation, and it's added an even trippier dimension to the surreal backgrounds. More immersive, if you will, even if its episodic action gets no prizes for storytelling discipline."{{cite web|last=Rooney|first=David|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-film-review-4139545/|title='The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run': Film Review|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 27, 2021|access-date=June 27, 2022|archive-date=June 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627052025/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-film-review-4139545/|url-status=live}}
Aparita Bhandari of The Globe and Mail gave the film 1.5 out of 4 stars, writing: "I totally understand if the latest SpongeBob SquarePants movie spinoff will draw in longtime fans and new audiences brave enough to venture into a movie theatre this Friday... However, for me and my two kids (aged 10 and 8), this dive into the deep sea wasn't as thrilling an adventure as we'd hoped for."{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/reviews/article-spongebob-squarepants-sponge-on-the-run-is-straightforward-and-not-as/ |title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run is straightforward and not as thrilling an adventure as my kids hoped for |work=The Globe and Mail |author=Aparita Bhandari |date=August 13, 2020 |access-date=August 13, 2020 |archive-date=August 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815015511/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/reviews/article-spongebob-squarepants-sponge-on-the-run-is-straightforward-and-not-as/ |url-status=live }}
Accolades
At the 19th Visual Effects Society Awards the special effects team was nominated in the category "Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature".{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/ves-awards-nominations-2021-visual-effects-society-mandalorian-tenet-soul-1234704513/|title=VES Awards Nominations: 'Tenet', 'Midnight Sky', 'Extraction', 'Soul' & 'Mandalorian' Among Titles In Visual Effects Hunt|work=Deadline|first=Erik|last=Pederson|date=March 2, 2021|access-date=March 2, 2021|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302202115/https://deadline.com/2021/03/ves-awards-nominations-2021-visual-effects-society-mandalorian-tenet-soul-1234704513/|url-status=live}}
The film was nominated for four Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in 2022, one for Favorite Animated Movie and three for Favorite Voice in an Animated Movie: Tom Kenny as SpongeBob, Awkwafina as Otto, and Keanu Reeves as Sage.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/03/kids-choice-awards-2022-nominations-hosts-miranda-cosgrove-rob-gronkowski-1234974061/|title=Kids' Choice Awards Nominations Set; Miranda Cosgrove & Rob Gronkowski To Host Show|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Erik Pedersen|date=March 9, 2022|access-date=March 9, 2022|archive-date=March 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309164834/https://deadline.com/2022/03/kids-choice-awards-2022-nominations-hosts-miranda-cosgrove-rob-gronkowski-1234974061/|url-status=live}}
Future
= Television spin-off =
{{Main|Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years{{!}}Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years}}
Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years is a SpongeBob SquarePants spin-off prequel series, based on the flashback scenes from Sponge on the Run, that introduces a 10-year-old SpongeBob at a summer sleepaway camp.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/06/spongebob-squarepants-cg-animated-prequel-series-kamp-koral-greenlighted-nickelodeon-1202626441/|title=SpongeBob SquarePants CG-Animated Prequel Series Kamp Koral Greenlighted by Nickelodeon|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Nellie Andreeva|date=June 4, 2019|access-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612053840/https://deadline.com/2019/06/spongebob-squarepants-cg-animated-prequel-series-kamp-koral-greenlighted-nickelodeon-1202626441/|archive-date=June 12, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-nickelodeon|title=SpongeBob SquarePants Spinoffs in the Works From Nickelodeon|first=Brandon|last=Zachary|work=Comic Book Resources|date=February 14, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215102741/https://www.cbr.com/spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-nickelodeon/|archive-date=February 15, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2019/06/04/nickelodeon-greenlights-kamp-koral-original-animated-spinoff-of-hit-series-spongebob-squarepants-104415/20190604nickelodeon02/|title=Nickelodeon Greenlights Kamp Koral, Original Animated Spinoff of Hit Series SpongeBob SquarePants|publisher=Nickelodeon|via=The Futon Critic|date=June 4, 2019|access-date=August 31, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/nickelodeon-orders-spongebob-squarepants-prequel-kamp-koral/|title=Nickelodeon Orders SpongeBob SquarePants Prequel Kamp Koral|work=TheWrap|author=Tim Baysinger|date=June 4, 2019|access-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604190731/https://www.thewrap.com/nickelodeon-orders-spongebob-squarepants-prequel-kamp-koral/|archive-date=June 4, 2019|url-status=live}}
On February 19, 2020, the official title was revealed, and it was announced that the series would be premiering in July 2020. The main series voice cast reprise their roles.{{cite press release|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2020/02/19/nickelodeon-announces-voice-cast-for-kamp-koral-spongebobs-under-years-first-ever-spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-575101/20200219nickelodeon06/|title=Nickelodeon Announces Voice Cast for Kamp Koral: Spongebob's Under Years, First-Ever Spongebob Squarepants Spinoff|publisher=Nickelodeon|via=The Futon Critic|date=February 19, 2020|access-date=August 31, 2020}}
On July 30, 2020, it was announced that the series would be released on CBS All Access, the ViacomCBS streaming service as it was known then, in early 2021.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-kamp-koral-shifts-to-cbs-all-access-as-nickelodeon-library-shows-arrive-1202998734/|title=SpongeBob SquarePants Spinoff Kamp Koral Shifts To CBS All Access As Nickelodeon Library Shows Arrive|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Dade Hayes|date=July 30, 2020|access-date=August 1, 2020|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730191630/https://deadline.com/2020/07/spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-kamp-koral-shifts-to-cbs-all-access-as-nickelodeon-library-shows-arrive-1202998734/|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2020/07/30/viacomcbs-debuts-expanded-and-enhanced-cbs-all-access-370101/20200730cbs01/|title=ViacomCBS Debuts Expanded and Enhanced CBS All Access|publisher=CBS|via=The Futon Critic|date=July 30, 2020|access-date=August 1, 2020}} On January 28, 2021, it was announced that the first six episodes of the series would release on March 4, 2021, the same day as the release of Sponge on the Run as a launch series for the newly named Paramount+.
= Film =
{{Main|The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants}}
On August 24, 2021, during a video interview with CEO of Nickelodeon, Brian Robbins, he mentioned that "a new SpongeBob [is] in the works" when discussing the studio's film slate.{{cite news |title=Streaming On: Kids and Family with Brian Robbins |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oq82gIgy4l4 |access-date=August 26, 2021 |work=YouTube |publisher=Google Inc. |date=August 24, 2021 |archive-date=September 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903004030/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oq82gIgy4l4&list=PLizEvIf8jN7vjBbl__2Lh6ada4j4RBxCk |url-status=live }} The film was officially announced in February 2022, with plans for it to be released theatrically.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/spongebob-squarepants-paramount-plus-movies-theatrical-1234933589/|title=SpongeBob Universe Expands With Three Paramount+ Spinoff Movies, New Theatrical Film|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=February 15, 2022|access-date=February 15, 2022|archive-date=March 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312134541/https://deadline.com/2022/02/spongebob-squarepants-paramount-plus-movies-theatrical-1234933589/|url-status=live}} On November 10, 2022, the fourth film was given a release date of May 23, 2025.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/spongebob-squarepants-aang-avatar-animation-movies-release-dates-1235169468/|title=Paramount Sets Dates For New SpongeBob & Aang Avatar Animated Movies|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=November 10, 2022|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110233401/https://deadline.com/2022/11/spongebob-squarepants-aang-avatar-animation-movies-release-dates-1235169468/|url-status=live}} In April 2023, it was announced that the film would be titled The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, with longtime series writer Derek Drymon directing the film. It will follow SpongeBob as he travels to the depths of the ocean and faces off against the ghost of the Flying Dutchman.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2023/04/spongebob-squarepants-4-transformers-one-animated-cast-1234833032/|title=Paramount Gets Animated with CinemaCon Presentation|work=IndieWire|author=Brian Welk|date=April 27, 2023|access-date=April 27, 2023|archive-date=April 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427182902/https://www.indiewire.com/2023/04/spongebob-squarepants-4-transformers-one-animated-cast-1234833032/|url-status=live}} On October 23, 2023, the film's release date was pushed back to December 19, 2025, with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning taking the May 2025 slot due to the 2023 SAG-AFRTA strike.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/10/mission-impossible-dead-reckoning-part-2-quiet-place-day-one-actors-strike-1235580981/|title=Mission: Impossible 8 Jumps To 2025; A Quiet Place: Day One Goes To Summer In 2024 Theatrical Shake-Up Due To Actors Strike|work=Deadline Hollywood|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|date=October 23, 2023|access-date=October 23, 2023}}
References
External links
- {{Official website|https://www.spongebobmovie.com/}}
- {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
- {{IMDb title}}
{{SpongeBob SquarePants (film series)}}
{{Paramount+}}
{{Paramount theatrical animated features}}
{{Paramount Animation}}
{{Nickelodeon Movies}}
{{Tim Hill}}
{{Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:SpongeBob Movie 3, The: Sponge on the Run}}
Category:2020 computer-animated films
Category:2020 American animated films
Category:2020s children's adventure films
Category:2020s children's animated films
Category:2020s children's fantasy films
Category:2020s English-language films
Category:American films with live action and animation
Category:American computer-animated films
Category:American children's animated adventure films
Category:American children's animated comedy films
Category:Animated films about friendship
Category:Animated films based on animated series
Category:English-language fantasy films
Category:English-language adventure films
Category:Films about kidnapping
Category:Films about summer camps
Category:Films based on television series
Category:Films directed by Tim Hill
Category:Films postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Category:Films produced by Stephen Hillenburg
Category:Films scored by Hans Zimmer
Category:Films set in the Pacific Ocean
Category:Films with screenplays by Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger
Category:Media Rights Capital films
Category:Nickelodeon animated films
Category:Nickelodeon Movies films
Category:Paramount Animation films
Category:Paramount Pictures animated films
Category:Paramount Pictures films
Category:Paramount+ original films
Category:SpongeBob SquarePants (film series)