The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is a 2025 American animated adventure comedy directed by Derek Drymon, based on the TV series created by Stephen Hillenburg. It is the fourth theatrical SpongeBob film, following Sponge on the Run (2020). The story follows SpongeBob as he tries to prove his bravery by journeying through the Underworld with the ghost pirate, the Flying Dutchman.

The film stars the series’ regular voice cast, along with George Lopez, Isis “Ice Spice” Gaston, Arturo Castro, Sherry Cola, Regina Hall, and Mark Hamill. Pam Brady and Matt Lieberman wrote the screenplay, based on a story by Brady, Marc Ceccarelli, and Kaz. The project began as a direct-to-streaming film centered on Mr. Krabs, but was reworked into a theatrical release with SpongeBob as the lead. Derek Drymon was hired to direct by April 2023. Mark Hamill voices the Flying Dutchman, replacing Brian Doyle-Murray. John Debney composed the score, having previously scored Sponge Out of Water (2015).

The film premiered at the AFI Film Festival on October 26, 2025, followed by a New York City premiere on December 17, and a U.S. theatrical release by Paramount Pictures on December 19. It received positive reviews and was a commercial success, earning $169 million worldwide against a $64 million budget.

In the plot, SpongeBob discovers he is tall enough to ride a roller coaster but is too scared. He wants to be brave like Mr. Krabs, who claims he was a swashbuckler in his youth. After finding Mr. Krabs’ secret basement of pirate relics, SpongeBob accidentally summons the Flying Dutchman, a ghost cursed to roam the Underworld until he swaps places with an innocent soul. The Dutchman sees SpongeBob as that soul, invites him and Patrick Star into his crew, and promises to help SpongeBob become a swashbuckler. Mr. Krabs, Squidward, and Gary follow to rescue them.

The Dutchman tells SpongeBob he must complete dangerous trials and blow the Dutchman’s horn to become a swashbuckler. SpongeBob passes each challenge by doing what he thinks Mr. Krabs would do. Annoyed by Patrick’s distractions, the Dutchman convinces SpongeBob to abandon him. When Mr. Krabs catches up, the Dutchman forces him to admit he was never a swashbuckler—just a fry cook who blew bubbles and was humiliated for it. Believing Mr.