SpongeBob is bringing the party to San Diego Comic-Con with two panels and a bunch of activities. Believe it or not, SpongeBob Squarepants and the whole city of Bikini Bottom have been around for 20 years now, and they’re still very much alive. The series is currently in its 12th season, and the franchise is preparing a new film titled The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful Sponge, set for a 2020 release.
The team behind SpongeBob are not slowing down anytime soon, with Nickelodeon ordering a spinoff prequel series that will explore Bob’s childhood years, and a new take on the video game SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom, which will feature a multiplayer mode. All this while also preparing the anniversary celebration - because not just any animated series reaches the 20th anniversary milestone, and what better place than the biggest convention in the world of pop culture to throw a party?
According to Deadline, SpongeBob SquarePants will have two panels at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, as well as a theme-series booth on the exhibition floor to celebrate the series’ anniversary. The “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout” panel will feature executive producers Vincent Waller and Marc Ceccarelli, voice actors Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Mr. Lawrence (Plankton), and Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), as they share their experience portraying the live-action versions of their characters for the series’ birthday special.
In addition to that, Nickelodeon’s booth will be the place for all types of activities within the world of SpongeBob. Fans will have a chance to participate in an interactive game inside The Krusty Krab, where they'll have to complete food orders against the clock; they'll also find a replica of Mrs. Puff’s Boating School (and can take a picture in it), and The Chum Bucket, where they can meet the cast during autograph signings and also purchase all types of collectibles and other products.
SpongeBob SquarePants has been very well received since the first season premiered back in 1999, and it's spawned two films (minus the one coming out next year), a comic book series, various video games, a Broadway musical, and two theme park rides. The series has become the fifth-longest-running American animated series, and the highest rated series to air on Nickelodeon - and has also proven to be a very lucrative one.
Nickelodeon is doing everything they can to give SpongeBob SquarePants the biggest anniversary celebration they can, with a spinoff series, a video game, and now a bunch of activities for SDCC. As noted by Deadline, it’s unknown if Paramount will show footage of The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful Sponge, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they did. Even if they don't, fans of the series still have a lot to look forward to at the convention.
Source: Deadline.