In a splashy announcement that's got fans of absorbent yellow sponges and elemental benders buzzing, Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Animation revealed today that two major animated projects are officially slated for theatrical releases in 2025.
The fourth big-screen adventure in the beloved SpongeBob SquarePants franchise is now in development as a full theatrical feature. Following the success of previous films like The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, this untitled installment will bring SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, and the rest of the Bikini Bottom gang back to cinemas on May 23, 2025. Details on the plot and director are still under wraps, but sources close to the production confirm it's being crafted with the same irreverent humor and heart that has kept the series a cultural staple for over two decades.
In the same exciting reveal, Paramount confirmed the first theatrical film in the expanded Avatar: The Last Airbender universe. This new animated movie, centered on an adult Aang and his friends, will soar into theaters on October 10, 2025. Produced under the newly formed Avatar Studios banner by original series creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino, it promises to explore fresh stories in the world of bending while honoring the legacy of the iconic Nickelodeon show.
"These projects represent the best of what Nickelodeon and Paramount have to offer—timeless characters, bold storytelling, and adventures that appeal to kids and kids-at-heart alike," said a Paramount spokesperson. Both films are part of a broader slate aimed at revitalizing animated theatrical experiences post-pandemic.
