Mark Hamill Joins ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ as The Flying Dutchman

As a dedicated movie buff who grew up with Nickelodeon’s iconic “SpongeBob SquarePants,” I couldn’t contain my excitement as I sat in Hall H at this year’s Comic-Con, surrounded by fellow fans eager to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary.


You know what’s funnier than 24? 25!

To celebrate a quarter century of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” Nickelodeon pulled out all the stops at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, starting with an epic Hall H panel.

Mark Hamill unexpectedly joined the event to announce his role as the voice actor for The Flying Dutchman in the forthcoming SpongeBob SquarePants movie, titled “The SpongeBob Movie: A New Mission,” set for release in 2025. Hamill described the pirate character as the funniest and scariest seafarer ever seen. Contradictorily, he added that the film is deeper and more pensive than expected, featuring intellectually stimulating scenes. However, this statement was merely a joke. In fact, the movie promises to be filled with nonsensical humor from beginning to end.

Mark Hamill reveals he will play The Flying Dutchman in the next SpongeBob movie.

— Katcy Stephan @ SDCC! (@katcystephan) July 25, 2024

During a live event, voice artists Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton) gathered to read through the script of the cherished “Help Wanted” pilot episode aloud.

In this episode, SpongeBob secured his coveted position at the Krusty Krab by completing Mr. Krab’s difficult assignment of obtaining a special spatula with attachments for port and starboard. Interrupting the flow, Kenny requested that viewers join in singing Tiny Tim’s popular song “Livin’ in the Sunlight, Lovin’ in the Moonlight,” which played an essential role in a pivotal scene.

At San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H event, the crowd joins Tiny Tim in singing “Livin’ in the Sunlight, Lovin’ in the Moonlight” during a live reading of the “SpongeBob Squarepants” pilot episode “Help Wanted.”

— Katcy Stephan @ SDCC! (@katcystephan) July 25, 2024

I was part of the lively discussion led by Kel Mitchell, famously known for his role as Ed in “Good Burger.” He added a fun and quirky touch to the panel as he moderated it in character. Besides Kel, executive producers Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller joined us, contributing more exciting nautical-themed antics.

Kel Mitchell moderates the #SpongeBob panel as Ed from #GoodBurger at Comic Con. #SDCC2024

— EbMaster (@EbMaster) July 25, 2024

Fagerbakke reminisced about his 25-year journey of portraying the foolish starfish character, sharing with the crowd, “It’s been one long, enjoyable celebration for me. I let my inner child be in charge and have a blast. And then I get weary.”

Kenny found it hard to envision a world without the perpetually cheerful fry cook, reminiscing about his interview for the part. “I just can’t put it into words. It was as if that blissful emoji with the heart-filled eyes represented me perfectly. If anyone else had been chosen for this role, I would have felt disconsolate forever. With SpongeBob, I felt an unbreakable connection, like ‘I must wed this sponge.'”

Mr. Lawrence shared an anecdote about nearly missing out on the chance to portray Plankton, the villainous owner of Chum Bucket. “I had to compete for the role since they preferred a well-known actor for the part. A large gathering of executives was present, and I exclaimed, ‘But I’ve been to college!’ In the end, my education proved beneficial. ‘And that’s why you should all consider going to college!'”

The popular animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants,” created by Stephen Hillenburg, made its debut on Nickelodeon in the summer of 1999. Featuring the cheerful sponge protagonist who resides underwater in a pineapple, the show has since achieved great success. In this lighthearted series, SpongeBob attempts (but often fails) to pass his boating school test, works as a fry cook, and enjoys the company of an eclectic cast of friends.

At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Tom Kenny will lend his voice to a live reading of the initial pilot episode “Help Wanted,” where he brings SpongeBob to life.

— EbMaster (@EbMaster) July 25, 2024

As a long-time fan of SpongeBob SquarePants and Sandy Cheeks, I’m beyond excited for her upcoming Netflix movie, “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie,” set to release on Aug. 2. This film promises to give us an unprecedented look into Sandy’s life and reveal unknown aspects about her family.

In addition, attendees were treated to a special sneak peek of the forthcoming “SpongeBob” episode titled “Kreepaway Kamp.” This installment brings the characters back to Kamp Koral.

The show has been on air for 14 seasons, with a 15th season announced in 2023. It has also led to the production of three movies: “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” from 2004, “Sponge Out of Water” released in 2015, and “Sponge on the Run” which came out in 2020. Additionally, there are two spin-offs – “Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Early Years” and “The Patrick Star Show.”

In 2017, it gave birth to a widely successful Broadway musical that received rave reviews from critics and garnered twelve Tony Award nominations, with one victory for scenic design.

At Hall H, the “SpongeBob” excitement didn’t come to a halt. In addition, Nickelodeon established a large 1,800 square foot exhibit on the exhibition floor, allowing fans to experience the realm of the Krusty Krab in depth.

Watch the birthday celebration below:

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2024-07-26 00:18