Are you ready, kids? Next month at San Diego Comic-Con, Nickelodeon will be celebrating the 20th anniversary for its hit animated show SpongeBob SquarePants. And they are going big too, with a panel, a themed booth on the show floor, and tons of interactive activities for fans.
The “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout!” panel not only celebrates 20 years of the beloved series, but dives into the making of the brand-new special with co-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) will also discuss what it was like to bring these iconic characters to life for the first time in the live action-animation hybrid special.
In addition to the panel, Nickelodeon will host an 1,800-square foot booth featuring “The Krusty Krab,” an interactive game where fans compete head-to-head to complete food orders in a race against the clock. There will also be costumed character appearances, autograph signing opportunities with SpongeBob SquarePants cast members, a photo opportunity with a replica of Mrs. Puff’s Boating School; and The Chum Bucket standing 22 feet tall over the retail area. San Diego Comic-Con attendees will also be able to snag an exclusive SpongeBob SquarePants poster featuring all 760 creatures that have appeared in the animated series.
There's no confirmation yet if footage from The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful Sponge will premiere at the show.
While SpongeBob SquarePants will undoubtedly be the center of attention for Nickelodeon, the studio is also hosting a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles panel, “To Shell and Back,” celebrating three generations of TMNT creators.
San Diego Comic-Con runs from July 18 through July 21.