SpongeBob Movie Goes Straight to Streaming

Skipping a theatrical run, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run will debut digitally in the U.S via video on demand in early 2021 and then move exclusively to CBS All Access.

The latest feature film in the SpongeBob franchise will debut on the service as part of CBS All Access’s ongoing transformation into an expanded service spanning key franchise content from across ViacomCBS. All prior seasons of SpongeBob SquarePants will also be available on the expanded service soon.

“We are thrilled to have The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, a premier, first-run movie from one of ViacomCBS’ biggest brands, join CBS All Access’ expanding slate of franchise content from across ViacomCBS,” said Marc DeBevoise, chief digital officer at ViacomCBS and president and CEO of ViacomCBS Digital. “This launch will be perfectly timed with our continued expansion and planned rebranding of the service in early 2021, as we welcome SpongeBob and the gang from Bikini Bottom to the service in the biggest way possible.”

“I’m incredibly proud of this film, and the phenomenal cast and filmmaking team that made it happen,” said Mireille Soria, president of Paramount Animation. “Bringing this movie to life was a true collaboration and labor of love, and I’m thrilled for audiences to enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.”

Ramsey Naito, executive VP of Nickelodeon animation production and development, added: “We’re happy to give kids and families a much-deserved lift in any way we can, and the PVOD release of the new SpongeBob theatrical and putting all seasons of the TV series on CBS All Access are two of the best ways I can think of to get immersed in the optimism and joy that this terrific character represents.”