Ice Spice Has Been Cast in New Spongebob Movie, Will Contribute Original Song

Ice Spice is officially headed beneath the sea, joining the cast of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, which is slated to hit theaters in December 2025.The chart-topping rapper is expanding her creative reach by lending her voice to a character in the animated feature while also contributing a brand-new original song for the film’s soundtrack.This major move was announced by Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation during a showcase at the Annecy International Animation Festival in France.She will appear alongside a vibrant ensemble that includes Regina Hall, George Lopez, Sherry Cola, and Arturo Castro—actors known for their comedic range and cultural impact.Fans of the franchise will also be pleased to see longtime voice actors returning to their iconic roles, including Tom Kenny as SpongeBob, Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs, and Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick.The movie is being directed by SpongeBob veteran Derek Drymon and written by Pam Brady and Matt Lieberman, two creatives with deep roots in animation and comedy.Mark Hamill is also back as the haunting voice of the Flying Dutchman, promising a supernatural edge to the underwater adventure.According to the official synopsis, SpongeBob and his loyal crew will travel to the darkest parts of the ocean in an effort to confront and break the curse of the ghostly Dutchman.The combination of a nostalgic storyline, beloved characters, and fresh voices suggests a film designed to resonate with both children and longtime fans.Ice Spice’s involvement adds a major boost of pop culture relevance, drawing in audiences from both the music world and Gen Z fandoms.With its December release date already locked in, the buzz around this movie is only just beginning to swell.

Ice Spice’s role in the movie feels like a poetic full-circle moment for the Bronx-born rapper, especially given her 2022 song “Bikini Bottom.”The track, with its bouncy rhythm and cheeky references, was directly inspired by the fictional underwater city from the SpongeBob series.Appearing on her debut EP Like..?, the song was initially met with skepticism for sounding cartoonish—but it quickly became a fan favorite and climbed to No. 15 on the Billboard 200.Ice leaned into the SpongeBob comparison with confidence, telling interviewers that she grew up watching the show and considered it a meaningful part of her childhood.She even cited the episode “Rock Bottom” as one of her personal favorites, reinforcing the idea that this project connects deeply with her upbringing.Rather than distancing herself from the animated aesthetic, she embraced it as part of her musical identity and online persona.Now, nearly three years later, that early homage has evolved into a legitimate career milestone as she steps into Bikini Bottom for real.Her reaction to the casting announcement was simple but revealing: a gleeful “yay!!!” posted to her Instagram Story alongside a screenshot of the news.It was an understated yet powerful acknowledgment of how far she’s come and how much the opportunity means to her.From a quirky single to a lead role in a massive animated film, Ice Spice has successfully transformed internet jokes into industry validation.And in doing so, she’s demonstrated that cultural references, when authentic, can become stepping stones to unexpected success.

The casting choices for Search for SquarePants reveal a carefully curated blend of veteran talent and rising stars, aiming to balance classic cartoon absurdity with contemporary relevance.Regina Hall, long celebrated for her comedic brilliance in films like Scary Movie and more recently Nine Perfect Strangers, brings seasoned flair to the ensemble.George Lopez, known for his razor-sharp humor and community-centric storytelling, joins the project with his trademark wit.Arturo Castro and Sherry Cola, both respected for their television work, round out a cast that feels dynamic, diverse, and purposefully comedic.These additions are not just celebrity stunts—they’re carefully considered choices to enrich the voice performances and create new memorable characters.Ice Spice’s presence among them may seem unconventional, but it signals an industry shift toward casting voices with cultural pull and unique tonal energy.Of course, no SpongeBob movie would feel complete without the original core cast, who remain the heart of the franchise and return once again to voice their iconic roles.The presence of Mark Hamill as the Flying Dutchman adds theatrical weight, enhancing the film’s supernatural themes and providing contrast to the levity of the main characters.his mixture of comedic veterans, musical talent, and voiceover legends sets the stage for something more than a simple kids' movie—it suggests a cinematic event with emotional range.Writers Pam Brady and Matt Lieberman have a proven track record of mixing laugh-out-loud moments with heart, which bodes well for the film’s script.Altogether, the cast hints at a SpongeBob movie that understands its legacy while actively pushing toward a fresh, creatively ambitious direction.

The announcement of Ice Spice’s role came during a high-profile studio presentation at the Annecy International Animation Festival, signaling how central this project is to Paramount’s future slate.Ramsey Naito, president of both Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, took the stage to reveal an ambitious lineup that underscored the company’s expanding animation empire.In addition to The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, the showcase featured early looks at other upcoming titles including Smurfs starring Rihanna, PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2.During the event, director Derek Drymon personally unveiled the full first act of the SpongeBob film to a private audience, giving insiders a glimpse of its visual style and narrative momentum.The film’s tone blends whimsical absurdity with mythic stakes, a balance that Drymon’s past work with the franchise has always nailed.While the full trailer has yet to be released publicly, reactions from Annecy attendees hinted at a polished, high-energy start to SpongeBob’s newest adventure.As other studios double down on franchises, Paramount is betting on the enduring appeal of SpongeBob—updated with more music, more mystery, and more pop culture power.The inclusion of global music stars like Ice Spice and Rihanna suggests a larger multimedia strategy that extends beyond the theater.It’s clear that Paramount doesn’t view this as just another cartoon sequel, but as a flagship title with global marketing reach.By previewing the film at Annecy, they positioned it not just for mass appeal, but also for critical recognition within the animation industry.And Ice Spice’s dual role as actress and musical artist reinforces the sense that this is a full-spectrum entertainment project.

Ice Spice’s voice role in Search for SquarePants comes as she cements herself as more than just a breakout rapper—she’s now a fully-fledged multi-platform artist.Her big-screen debut is fast approaching with Highest 2 Lowest, the latest Spike Lee film, which pairs her with heavyweights like Denzel Washington, A$AP Rocky, and Jeffrey Wright.The neo-noir crime thriller, a modern reimagining of Kurosawa’s High and Low, represents a major leap into dramatic acting for the rapper.In that film, she portrays a rising figure in the music industry entangled in a tense ransom plot, opposite a record executive played by Washington.To jump from that kind of dark, intense material into the bright, kinetic world of SpongeBob showcases her growing range and willingness to take bold creative swings.She’s one of few artists currently active in both prestige cinema and mainstream family animation—two realms that rarely overlap.Her team, including major entertainment lawyers at Mark Music & Media Law, has guided her career through high-profile brand deals, like a recent Pepsi Super Bowl campaign.These calculated steps are positioning her not just as an entertainer, but as a cross-market powerhouse with cultural staying power.Even without a solo release in 2025, she’s kept momentum alive through high-visibility collaborations, remixes, and now, two films.Rather than retreating after initial fame, Ice Spice continues to ascend by broadening her platform with every move.And now, animated Bikini Bottom becomes the next unexpected but well-timed step in that rise.

The logline for The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants teases an underwater journey darker and more adventurous than previous films in the franchise.SpongeBob and his closest allies—Patrick, Squidward, Sandy, and Mr. Krabs—set out to confront the ghost of the Flying Dutchman, a recurring villain with new powers and a more menacing presence.This time, the stakes feel larger, as the team must journey to the ocean’s most forbidden depths to break a supernatural curse.The movie aims to expand the SpongeBob cinematic universe with deeper lore, more complex conflicts, and a bolder visual design.Director Derek Drymon has stated the goal was to create something that respects the show’s roots while offering a more expansive, emotionally resonant story.Mark Hamill’s return as the Flying Dutchman gives the film a dramatic spine, adding layers of menace and theatricality to the ghostly antagonist.According to insiders at the Annecy screening, the animation is more immersive than ever before, utilizing updated rendering to enhance depth and movement.This narrative approach elevates the film from episodic hijinks to something closer to an animated epic, while still retaining the franchise’s signature humor.Ice Spice’s original song is said to be integrated into a key scene, likely aligning with one of the film’s pivotal turning points.It’s not a throwaway pop track, but a thematic piece that helps underscore the emotion and momentum of the story.And for audiences who grew up with SpongeBob but now crave richer content, this evolution of tone may be exactly what brings them back to the theater.

The casting of Search for SquarePants reflects a deliberate shift toward a more inclusive, multicultural interpretation of Bikini Bottom’s quirky world.By tapping talents like George Lopez, Arturo Castro, and Sherry Cola, the studio has assembled a voice cast that resonates across ethnic and generational lines.These actors bring not only comedic chops but also personal storytelling styles shaped by their unique backgrounds and career trajectories.Regina Hall’s involvement provides another layer of comedic gravitas, adding dimension to the ensemble while drawing in audiences who have followed her across film and television.Meanwhile, Ice Spice introduces a generational voice that directly appeals to younger fans fluent in internet culture, hip-hop, and nostalgic reboots.This cast doesn’t just reflect diversity in appearance—it captures a wide range of tones, sensibilities, and cultural reference points.Paramount and Nickelodeon seem intent on evolving the franchise without alienating its core base, using these additions to expand rather than replace the original energy.It’s a delicate balancing act between legacy and progress, and this roster suggests they’re executing it with precision.As studios face increasing pressure to reflect the diversity of their global audiences, Search for SquarePants stands out for doing so in a genuinely integrated way.Rather than tokenism or pandering, the casting feels like a meaningful extension of SpongeBob’s enduring appeal to outsiders and underdogs.And as Ice Spice bridges both fan cultures and musical subcultures, she emerges as a natural anchor in that effort.

Music has always played a background role in SpongeBob’s world, but Ice Spice’s original track marks a shift in how the franchise approaches its soundscape.This time, the film isn’t just sprinkling in catchy tunes—it’s building key emotional and narrative moments around the music.Ice Spice’s contribution is expected to be more than a standalone single—it’s a story component meant to connect with both plot and audience.Her past releases, like “Bikini Bottom,” suggest a natural synergy with the show’s playful yet rhythmic sensibility.In this film, she’ll likely lean more cinematic, crafting something that fits the scale and tone of an underwater ghost adventure.Music supervisor insiders say the track is being produced in tandem with score development, ensuring a cohesive sonic experience across scenes.This places Ice Spice in rare company as both performer and narrative contributor—a level of involvement typically reserved for top-tier artists.Shz’s following in the footsteps of artists like Pharrell, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, all of whom blurred lines between soundtrack and story.Her previous remix of “Gnarly” with KATSEYE in early 2025 kept her in the public ear while she transitioned toward film.If the track catches on, it could dominate TikTok and streaming charts, offering SpongeBob a second life as a musical moment.And given her cultural capital, this crossover song may become just as iconic as the film itself.

The December 19 release of Search for SquarePants positions the movie right in the middle of awards season, holiday family viewership, and maximum box office potential.It will compete with other animation blockbusters, but with a cast like this and a proven IP, it’s expected to dominate.Ice Spice’s presence offers marketing synergy across social platforms, music streaming, and youth-focused brand campaigns.Expect teasers, trailers, and music videos to drop in waves starting in late summer, timed around both the SpongeBob and Ice Spice fanbases.There may also be exclusive tie-ins, like behind-the-scenes footage, lyric videos, or virtual concert events to amplify anticipation.Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest is expected to release earlier in August, which could give her a momentum boost leading into SpongeBob.Publicity for that project, coupled with her Super Bowl Pepsi deal and perfume launch with Revlon, keeps her cultural footprint wide and active.Nickelodeon and Paramount are reportedly investing heavily in merchandise, making the film a holiday marketing juggernaut.This isn't just a movie—it’s a multi-platform event timed perfectly for seasonal, cinematic, and musical relevance.And Ice Spice stands to benefit immensely from the film’s likely success, especially as a bridge into future family-friendly projects.All signs point to Search for SquarePants being a strategic high point in her ever-expanding brand.

Twenty-five years after SpongeBob first appeared on Nickelodeon, Search for SquarePants marks the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise.With upgraded animation, deeper plotlines, and a cast that speaks to today’s audience, the film seems engineered for both retention and reinvention.The heart of the show—absurdity, loyalty, optimism—remains intact, but now it’s presented with cinematic stakes and storytelling sophistication.Adding Ice Spice to the cast isn’t just trendy casting—it’s a creative choice rooted in understanding the character of today’s fandom.She embodies the kind of personality the franchise has always celebrated: bold, quirky, underestimated, and deeply individualistic.And as SpongeBob’s world expands into deeper waters—both literally and thematically—so does its potential to connect with new generations.The mxvie’s mission to entertain, inspire, and musically engage audiences puts it in line with modern animated films that do more than just sell toys.It’s about building community across cultures and age groups, using music, laughter, and a little ghostly adventure to tie it all together.Ice Spice’s role could set a precedent for how artists are integrated into franchises moving forward—not just as soundtrack features, but as full creative partners.If successful, this collaboration may reshape how legacy properties like SpongeBob evolve without losing what made them great.And it may just be the beginning of an entirely new underwater saga with its own sound, voice, and rhythm.