Netflix Nabs International Rights to SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run

July 16, 2020

Last month it was revealed that Paramount Animation’s forthcoming animated film The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run would become the latest addition to the long list of movies that had foregone their scheduled theatrical releases due to the ongoing global pandemic. Originally slated for an August 7 theatrical release, the third installment will now be making its U.S. debut on VOD and will be having its digital release on CBS All Access in early 2021.

As for its international release, Variety brings word that Netflix has successfully acquired the international distribution rights to the upcoming SpongeBob Movie from Viacom. However, it still unclear if Netflix would also be releasing the long-delayed film at the same time as its U.S. debut in 2021.

The film, previously titled It’s a Wonderful Sponge, will be the first 3D computer-animated SpongeBob movie, which is being described as a love letter to SpongeBob’s original creator Steven Hillenburg, who passed away last November, as well as the fans of the show, not to mention the fictional residents of Bikini Bottom.

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run will feature a score by Hans Zimmer and original songs by Ali Dee. The film will also be featuring the voices of Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians) and Reggie Watts (Tuca & Bertie). In addition, pop star legend Cyndi Lauper and co-writer Rob Hyman are working on original songs for the film. It is being produced by Paramount Animation in collaboration with Nickelodeon Movies and United Plankton Pictures.

Since its debut in 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has become the most widely distributed property in Viacom International Media Networks history, seen in more than 208 countries and territories, translated in 55+ languages, and averaging more than 100 million total viewers every quarter. This marks the third feature-length Spongebob adventure, after 2004’s The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie, and 2015’s Sponge Out of Water.

The project is being directed by Tim Hill and produced by Ryan Harris with choreography by Mia Michaels