Regina Hall and Ice Spice Join Voice Cast for The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
Paramount Pictures has officially announced that actress Regina Hall and rapper Ice Spice (real name Isis Gaston) are among the new additions to the voice cast for the upcoming film, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. This reveal occurred during a presentation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where director Derek Drymon provided an exclusive preview of the film’s first act and insights into its creative direction.
This film, marking the fourth feature-length adaptation of the iconic Nickelodeon character, is slated for a theatrical release on December 19, 2025. Hall and Spice will be joined by fellow cast members Sherry Cola, Arturo Castro, and George Lopez. The movie will follow the beloved sponge on a journey to the ocean's depths, where he must confront the infamous ghost pirate, the Flying Dutchman.
Additional Highlights from the Paramount Showcase
The presentation also offered a first look at the initial 20 minutes of Chris Miller's animated film The Smurfs, scheduled for release on July 18, 2025. The film boasts a star-studded voice cast including Rihanna, James Corden, Sandra Oh, Jimmy Kimmel, and Hannah Waddingham.
Ramsey Naito, president of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, started the session by introducing a slate of upcoming projects, which also features titles like PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2.
In an engaging discussion later, both Miller and Drymon elaborated on their visions for their respective animated worlds, a conversation moderated by Emily Nordwind, senior vice president of Paramount Animation. This showcases the studio's commitment to pushing creative boundaries in animated storytelling.
Looking Ahead
As the Annecy festival continues until June 14, further updates on these and other productions are anticipated. Currently, there are no indications of production disruptions, according to agency reports. As fans await these vivid cinematic journeys, the blend of seasoned actors and innovative new talent promises to breathe fresh life into these beloved franchises.
With ticket prices starting at $104, the anticipation for upcoming releases has created a buzz among animation enthusiasts and families alike. Sphere, meanwhile, has announced they will refrain from providing box office figures for these upcoming titles.
In a landscape that consistently evolves, Paramount's approach to maintaining relevance through familiar characters and innovative storytelling methods will undoubtedly shape the future of animated cinema.
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