The first trailer for The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is here, and it promises a wild underwater journey. SpongeBob and his friends dive into the ocean’s darkest depths to face the ghostly Flying Dutchman, now voiced by Mark Hamill. The film releases in theaters on December 19, 2025.
This is the fourth SpongeBob SquarePants movie and the first since 2020’s Sponge on the Run. The trailer shows SpongeBob trying to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs by chasing the legendary pirate. The animation blends the show’s classic style with 3D effects, similar to past films like Sponge Out of Water.
SpongeBob’s Biggest Challenge Yet
The movie follows SpongeBob as he travels further than ever before. The Flying Dutchman, a fan-favorite villain, is now played by Mark Hamill, known for his iconic voice roles like the Joker and Luke Skywalker. This marks the first time the character isn’t voiced by Brian Doyle-Murray, who played him in the TV series.
“Mark Hamill brings a fresh energy to the Flying Dutchman. His voice adds a new layer of mischief and menace to the character,” said director Derek Drymon in an interview.
The rest of the voice cast returns, including Tom Kenny as SpongeBob, Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick, and Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs. Newcomers like Regina Hall, George Lopez, and Ice Spice join in undisclosed roles.
A Mix of Classic and New Animation
The trailer reveals a mix of 2D and 3D animation, keeping the show’s humor while expanding its visual style. Previous movies like Sponge Out of Water also used 3D, but this film brings more depth to underwater scenes.
Fans noticed SpongeBob’s world looks brighter and more detailed. The deep-sea settings include eerie caves and glowing creatures, making it one of the most visually ambitious SpongeBob projects yet.
Why the Release Date Changed
Originally set for May 2025, the movie was delayed to December 19, 2025, due to last year’s Hollywood strikes. Paramount Pictures moved Mission: Impossible 8 into its original slot. The new date puts it in a prime holiday season spot, similar to past SpongeBob hits.
The film will also include a short before the main feature: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey.
Fan Reactions to the Trailer
The trailer has already sparked excitement online. Many fans praised Hamill’s take on the Flying Dutchman, while others loved the movie’s adventurous tone.
“Mark Hamill as the Flying Dutchman is genius casting. Can’t wait to see him haunt SpongeBob!” – Twitter user @SpongeFan2025
“The animation looks amazing! Feels like a bigger, bolder SpongeBob story.” – Reddit user u/BikiniBottomLover
What’s Next for SpongeBob?
This film marks SpongeBob’s return to theaters after Sponge on the Run went straight to streaming. With a mix of nostalgia and new elements, it aims to please long-time fans and newcomers.
The music will feature a score by John Debney, who worked on Sponge Out of Water, and an original song by Ice Spice.
Credits: Sources include Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, and official trailer releases.
