‘The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run’ to Head Straight to VOD & CBS All Access in 2021
The latest movie to skip theaters and head straight for video is “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run.”
The film, a brand extension of the Nickelodeon series, was original slated for a late May release, then moved to August 7. The shift means “SpongeBob” will now stream on VOD in early 2021 and then head to CBS All Access. The move bolsters the streamer’s chops, carrying all seasons of “SpongeBob Squarepants” as well. (ViacomCBS owns Paramount, which produces/distributes the TV show.)
The film is directed by Tim Hill (“Muppets From Space”).
Cast voices include Tom Kenny, Awkwafina, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Douglas Lawrence and Reggie Watts.
Marc DeBevoise, Chief Digital Officer, ViacomCBS stated the 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.”
Since the pandemic began, the straight-to-video shift has been pronounced.
“Sponge on the Run” joins other titles on the VOD roster, such as “Trolls World Tour,” Scoob!,” “The King of Staten Island” and Disney+'s “Artemis Fowl.”
The two other “SpongeBob” movies are “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” and “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water.”
Variety first reported the news.