Netflix has expanded its Spongebob Squarepants universe with multiple spin-off movies. Each film will be centered around a beloved character from the iconic animated series. Following a Sandy Cheeks solo film, Netflix has revealed plans for a movie focused on the nefarious Plankton. In a film about this pesky villain, will his notorious schemes finally pay off or be foiled once again?
Plankton: The Movie Follows Notorious Villain
The upcoming release of Plankton: The Movie is a new animated film flipping the script on the well-known villain’s life. In the movie, Plankton’s elaborate plan for world domination is foiled, turning his world upside down.
Taking on the role as the voice of Plankton, he’ll bring his signature humor and menace to the film. Director Dave Needham will be at the helm of the project, which will be based on characters created by Stephen Hillenburg. Moreover, the spin-off boasts an impressive voice cast. Alongside Mr. Lawrence, who plays Plankton, the stars joining the film include:
- Jill Talley
- Tom Kenny
- Bill Fagerbakke
- Carolyn Lawrence
- Clancy Brown
- Rodger Bumpass
SpongeBob Spinoffs of Beloved Characters
Before the release of Plankton: The Movie, Netflix released Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie on August 2, 2024. In the story, the entire population of Bikini Bottom is plucked from the ocean, putting everyone in jeopardy! Due to this shocking event, Spongebob and Sandy embark on a mission to rescue their underwater city from disaster!
Announced in 2021, the film marks the first installment in a reported trilogy that follows different Spongebob characters. Rumors abound about a potential Squidward film following the Sandy Cheeks and Plankton movies. Patrick Star has ventured into solo territory with his own spinoff Netflix series, The Patrick Star Show, which premiered in 2021.
History of SpongeBob SquarePants Franchise
Given his role as the villain in Spongebob SquarePants, the decision to give Plankton his own spinoff film may raise eyebrows. This significant move follows a pattern of spinoff movies within the franchise. Notably, the beloved character Spongebob has already starred in his own trilogy of films.
Marking the original film’s 20th anniversary, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie was released in 2004. Whereas the sequel, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, hit theaters in 2015, the most recent third installment, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, was released in 2021.
SpongeBob Series for Younger Viewers
The SpongeBob SquarePants franchise has expanded to include a spinoff series targeting younger viewers. A prequel series, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years, premiered on Paramount+ in 2021.
Following the adventures of these characters’ younger selves, the series’ setting occurs at a summer camp. Here, you can find the money-hungry Mr. Krabs. Gearing up for its second and final season, the show will arrive on Paramount+ later in the year.
The Fourth Spongebob Theatrical Installment
Recap – Spongebob, Spongebob, Spongebob!
Netflix is preparing to premiere its second SpongeBob Squarepants movie following the infamous Plankton in March 2025. Originally debuting in 1999, SpongeBob Squarepants has been a staple on Nickelodeon, becoming one of the longest-running animated series.
