SpongeBob SquarePants is making waves in Hollywood. The AFI Fest has announced that it will host the world premiere of The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants, produced by Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies, on the festival’s closing day, October 26.
This eagerly anticipated installment, directed by Derek Drymon and produced in collaboration with Domain Entertainment and MRC, follows everyone’s beloved underwater sponge as he embarks on a quest to prove his courage to Mr. Krabs. This adventure leads him deep into uncharted territories of the ocean, where no sponge has ventured before. The film features an impressive voice cast, including Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence, George Lopez, Ice Spice, Arturo Castro, Sherry Cola, and notable appearances by Regina Hall and Mark Hamill. The official release date is set for December 19.
AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “SpongeBob is an American icon – absorbent and yellow and porous is he – and AFI is honored to host this celebration under the sea.”
Additionally, the festival will feature the Los Angeles debut of the short film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Chrome Alone 2: Lost in New Jersey. Directed by Kent Seki and produced by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Jeff Rowe, and Ramsay McBean, this short follows the beloved heroes as they investigate a mysterious toy company seeking to capitalize on the turtles’ fame.
AFI Fest, sponsored by Canva, will take place from October 22 to 26 at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatres. The event will showcase a variety of red carpet premieres, special screenings, world cinema, documentaries, and short films. The complete lineup will be revealed on September 30. As previously announced, acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro will serve as guest artistic director. The festival will kick off with Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, featuring Jeremy Allen White, alongside high-profile premieres including Song Sung Blue starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at Hollywood Reporter.