Get ready for a deep-sea adventure like no other! Hip-hop sensation Ice Spice is making waves in Bikini Bottom, joining the cast and soundtrack for the upcoming animated film, The Spongebob Movie: Search For SquarePants.

TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to the New SpongeBob Movie

  • Ice Spice makes her voice acting debut and contributes an original, kid-friendly song, "Big Guy," to the soundtrack.
  • The movie, hitting theaters December 19, sees SpongeBob on a quest to prove his bravery by following the mysterious Flying Dutchman.
  • The film features a star-studded cast including Mark Hamill, Regina Hall, and the returning beloved voice actors.

From Bronx Rapper to Bikini Bottom Resident: Ice Spice's Unexpected Journey

Imagine this: SpongeBob SquarePants, in all his porous glory, belting out a catchy tune penned by one of today's hottest rap artists. Sounds wild, right? Well, that's exactly what's happening. Ice Spice, the Bronx native known for her distinctive flow, is officially joining the underwater world for The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants. This isn't just a cameo; she's lending her voice to a character and dropping an original song for the soundtrack, titled "Big Guy."

For many, this collaboration might seem like a creative jump into uncharted waters, a surprising blend of street-smart lyricism and innocent cartoon charm. Yet, the initial reception suggests it's a match made in... well, Bikini Bottom. The track "Big Guy" has been described as "bright, bouncy, and instantly catchy," proving Ice Spice's versatility in adapting her style to a family-friendly audience without losing her signature vibe.

A "Full-Circle Moment" for the "Big Guy" Artist

Turns out, Ice Spice's connection to SpongeBob runs deeper than just a new project. She grew up as a huge fan of Nickelodeon's iconic series. This new role is more than just another line on her IMDb page; it’s a personal milestone.

"Being part of the SpongeBob soundtrack is such a full-circle moment for me. It’s crazy to see my music in a movie that’s been part of so many people’s childhoods, including mine."

— Ice Spice (Source: Billboard, "Ice Spice is gearing up for a trip to Bikini Bottom," November 13, 2025)

This sentiment highlights a genuine excitement for the project, suggesting a level of engagement beyond a typical celebrity endorsement. Her producer, RIOTUSA, who frequently collaborates with Ice Spice, is also on board for "Big Guy," ensuring the track maintains a familiar sonic quality while perfectly fitting the animated world.

Behind the Lyrics: Crafting a Kid-Friendly Banger

Creating a song for a SpongeBob movie when your usual repertoire includes more explicit themes is no small feat. Ice Spice consciously "toned down her sometimes-explicit bars" to make her verses truly family- and kid-friendly. This careful consideration ensures the song's upbeat energy is accessible to its youngest listeners.

The lyrics even include playful references that avid SpongeBob fans will instantly recognize. For instance, she raps, "I blow bubbles so big like Mrs. Puff," directly referencing Mrs. Penelope Puff, the boating school instructor. This shows a thoughtful integration of her style into the existing SpongeBob universe, demonstrating a fun, lyrical homage.

An initial report briefly referred to the song as "Big Buy," but subsequent and more consistent reporting, along with the movie's theme, confirms the title as "Big Guy." This naming ties perfectly into SpongeBob's own quest in the film to prove his bravery and be seen as a "big guy." The track itself has been praised for its "playful, cartoon-ready sound" that is "funky, danceable, and made for kids without losing the fun factor for adults." (Source: RGM, "Ice Spice drops 'Big Guy'," November 14, 2025).

SpongeBob's Latest Epic Adventure: What's the Story?

So, what exactly pulls SpongeBob and his pals into this grand escapade? The plot for The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants revolves around SpongeBob's fervent desire to be a "big guy" and impress his boss, Mr. Krabs. To demonstrate his bravery, he embarks on a daring mission: following The Flying Dutchman, a mysterious, swashbuckling ghost pirate, into the deepest, darkest parts of the deep sea – a place no sponge has ever dared to venture.

Of course, you can't have SpongeBob without his loyal (and often bewildered) friends. When Mr. Krabs realizes the danger SpongeBob is sailing into, he gathers his old swashbuckling gear, enlists Gary the snail, and even convinces a reluctant Squidward to join the pursuit. Their mission? To ensure SpongeBob doesn't get in over his head. This promises a classic SpongeBob mix of slapstick comedy and heartfelt friendship, all set against a larger-than-life cinematic backdrop.

The Star-Studded Cast Making Waves in Bikini Bottom

The new movie brings back the beloved voices that have defined these characters for decades. Tom Kenny returns as SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary, alongside Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs, Rodger Bumpass as Squidward, Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star, Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy Cheeks, and Mr. Lawrence as Plankton. These familiar voices ensure the core humor and charm of the series remain intact.

Joining the iconic ensemble are an impressive lineup of new talents, beyond Ice Spice. Mark Hamill, known globally for his role as Luke Skywalker, steps into the role of The Flying Dutchman, promising a villainous performance he hopes will make children "hate his guts." (Source: Collider, "'The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants' Doesn't Lack for Jokes," November 13, 2025). Also featured are Regina Hall, Sherry Cola, Arturo Castro, and George Lopez, adding fresh comedic energy and star power to the undersea adventure.

Steering the Ship: The Creative Minds Behind the Film

Directing this latest aquatic odyssey is Derek Drymon, a veteran of the SpongeBob SquarePants series who has written for over 275 episodes since its 1999 debut. This marks Drymon's first time in the director's chair for a SpongeBob feature film, bringing years of intimate knowledge of the characters and their world to the big screen. The screenplay was penned by Pam Brady and Matt Lieberman, from a story conceived by Marc Ceccarelli, Kaz, and Pam Brady.

The film is a collaborative effort from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies, built upon the foundation of the beloved series created by Stephen Hillenburg. Lisa Stewart, Pam Brady, and Aaron Dem serve as producers, with a team of executive producers including Marc Ceccarelli, Vincent Waller, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, and Andrew Lary, ensuring the film delivers a truly epic and visually stunning 3DCG comedy experience.

Not the First Rodeo: SpongeBob's Cinematic History

This isn't SpongeBob's first big-screen rodeo. The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants is the fourth theatrical film in the franchise. It follows in the footsteps of The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004), The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015), and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020/2021). It also expands the wider SpongeBob SquarePants cinematic universe, which includes Netflix spin-offs like 2024's Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie and this year's Plankton: The Movie.

The trailers released so far showcase the film's vibrant animation and promise the whimsical humor fans expect. They highlight SpongeBob's earnest quest and the pirate-themed antics that will surely entertain audiences of all ages, demonstrating that director Derek Drymon aimed for "big cinematic moments" while retaining the "silly stuff" that makes SpongeBob iconic.

Addressing the Unbelievers: Why This Collaboration Works

Now, let's tackle a couple of common thoughts. Some might initially wonder if Ice Spice, whose music often carries a more mature theme, can genuinely adapt to a kid-friendly SpongeBob environment without it feeling forced. However, the reports confirm she deliberately "toned down her sometimes-explicit bars" and crafted "clean and kid-friendly" verses, proving her commitment to the project's target audience. Her signature flow and clever wordplay are still present, just delivered in a way that respects the innocent nature of Bikini Bottom.

Another point of skepticism could be whether this is merely a superficial celebrity tie-in. Yet, Ice Spice's heartfelt declaration of this being a "full-circle moment" because she grew up watching the show strongly counters that idea. It shows genuine enthusiasm and connection, rather than just a quick cash grab. Her song's positive reception for its "adorable" and "instantly catchy" qualities further demonstrates that this is a thoughtful and successful integration, adding real value to the film's soundtrack.

For example, picture a family heading to the cinema. The kids are buzzing about seeing SpongeBob's new adventure, maybe even singing a snippet of "Big Guy" they heard on TikTok. The parents, perhaps familiar with Ice Spice's other hits, might raise an eyebrow when they see her name in the credits. But as the movie plays and the catchy, innocent tune fills the theater, those initial doubts evaporate, replaced by a shared moment of enjoyment, showcasing how unexpected collaborations can truly resonate across generations.

Final Takeaways Before Your Deep Dive

  • Mark Your Calendars: The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants arrives in theaters on December 19, 2025.
  • Meet the New Voices: Ice Spice makes her voice acting debut, and Mark Hamill takes on the role of The Flying Dutchman.
  • Groove to "Big Guy": Enjoy Ice Spice's original, kid-friendly track, a surprisingly perfect fit for the movie's soundtrack.
  • Prepare for Adventure: Expect SpongeBob to prove his bravery on an epic journey to the deepest parts of the ocean with his friends.
  • A Family-Friendly Treat: The film promises cinematic humor and silly moments for fans of all ages, from longtime viewers to new enthusiasts.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the New SpongeBob Movie Answered

When does The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants come out? The film is set to hit theaters on December 19, 2025. (Note: International release dates may vary). Where can I watch The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants? It will be released in cinemas by Paramount Pictures. Details about streaming platforms like Paramount+ for future viewing are typically announced after the theatrical run. Who is in the cast of the new SpongeBob movie? The movie features the classic voice cast including Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, and Rodger Bumpass, alongside new additions like Ice Spice, Mark Hamill, Regina Hall, Sherry Cola, Arturo Castro, and George Lopez. What is the new Ice Spice song for the SpongeBob movie called? Her original song for the soundtrack is titled "Big Guy," produced by RIOTUSA.

Sources

  • Billboard, "Ice Spice is gearing up for a trip to Bikini Bottom," November 13, 2025.
  • Rolling Stone, "Ice Spice shared a new single, ‘Big Guy,’ written and recorded for upcoming animated sequel The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants," November 14, 2025.
  • Animation World Network, "Shiver Me Timbers — ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ Trailer 2 Drops," November 13, 2025.
  • Collider, "'The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants' Doesn't Lack for Jokes," November 13, 2025.
  • RGM, "Ice Spice drops ‘Big Guy’," November 14, 2025.
  • Deadline, "‘The SpongeBob Movie’ Trailer Surfaces Before December 19th Release," November 13, 2025.
  • Future of the Force, "The New Trailer for The SpongeBob Movie: Search For Square Pants Takes Us Back to Bikini Bottom!," November 14, 2025.