Frank Herbert’s Dune is one of the most influential novels of all time. Published in 1965, the science-fiction epic tells the story of a feudal universe and a young man named Paul Atreides at the center of the conflict. House Atreides is assigned stewardship of a planet called Arrakis, to mine the most precious material in the known world: a powerful drug called spice melange. Paul, gifted and prodigious, must get to know his new home world through tragic and fateful circumstances, as political turmoil and ecological warfare swirl about him.

Dune is a dense story full of odd terminology, intense human conflict, and an abundance of moral quandary. And thus, it is hugely popular, and has influenced culture in a major way since its release. A David Lynch film adaptation came out in 1984, and, of course, we now have a couple of movies from Denis Villeneuve. But it’s worth looking at Dune‘s impact on a larger scale, and how it’s referenced and alluded to in non-direct adaptations—everything from cartoon television series to video games to songs from major recording artists.

It’d be nearly impossible to list every single Dune reference in pop culture, but we did our best to compile all of the major ones, as well as some fun, more obscure nods to Herbert’s world.

Major References to Dune in the Movies

Star Wars

Let’s start with the most obvious. Herbert’s DNA is all over Star Wars, from the desert planet Tatooine that shares much with Arrakis, to “spice” as a valuable drug, to the Force’s similarities to the Voice. It’s very clear that George Lucas borrowed heavily from Dune when crafting the galaxy far, far away, although he imbued his universe with more a serialized fantasy element than Herbert’s harder sci-fi.

Phantasm

The 1979 fantasy horror film makes a few references to Dune, including a bar literally named Dune and a part where the protagonist Mike puts his hand into a black box that inflicts pain as part of a test, which mimics the Gom Jabbar sequence in the opening of Dune.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Hayao Miyazaki’s 1982 animated film, based on a manga of the same name, follows a young princess named Nausicaä embroiled in a struggle with a kingdom called Tolmekia that uses an ancient weapon to destroy a jungle of mutant insects. She becomes a savior of this devastated world, not unlike Paul Atreides on Arrakis. Dune was an influence on both the manga and Miyazaki’s film, and the advertising for the latter leaned into the connection, featuring monsters that look like the giant sand worms on Arrakis.

Warner Bros.

Beetlejuice

Speaking of sand worms and Arrakis, the 1988 Tim Burton horror comedy Beetlejuice also features giant sand creatures erupting from the depths of a desolate sand planet. This strange, time-bending location exists outside the home of the Maitlands after they tragically die, trapping them forever in their abode. It’s a clear visual reference to Dune.

Moonrise Kingdom

In this 2012 Wes Anderson film, two 12-year-old kids fall in love and run away together into the New England wilderness. The girl, Suzy, brings her favorite fantasy novels along for the journey. One of them, titled The Girl from Jupiter, has a map on the back of the dust jacket. The map is one of the north pole of Arrakis from David Lynch’s Dune.

Trolls

In the 2016 animated film Trolls, the Chef says the line, “He who controls the trolls controls the kingdom!” This is a reference to the famous line from Dune, “He who controls the spice controls the universe!”

Ready Player One

Surprising absolutely no one, there is a nod to Dune in Steven Spielberg’s reference-heavy 2018 film Ready Player One (based on the novel of the same name by Ernest Cline). The planet Arrakis is mentioned as a virtual destination that exists in OASIS.

Major References to Dune in Television

The Simpsons

The Simpsons regularly pays respects to Dune. Animated covers for Dune books appear in one episode, and Krusty the Clown writes a book called The Sands of Space that is clearly modeled after Herbert’s work. Perhaps the most famous reference is when Lisa eats spicy food and says, “I can see through time,” a reference to the spice from Dune, which also helps see through time.

Futurama

The animated TV series Futurama features several references to Dune, including an episode where a tailor tries to sell Fry a stillsuit, the suit worn on Arrakis to preserve the body’s moisture. Another episode features a giant, desert-dwelling sand worm.

Star Trek

Many of the Star Trek series contain references to Dune. In Voyager, Arrakis Prime is listed as a planet the ship’s surgeon has visited. The same show also names Giedi Prime in another episode. The Next Generation mentions a planet called Caldonia that shares a physical likeness to Caladan, the home world of House Atreides.

Cartoon Network

Adventure Time

The episode “Red Starved” takes place in an underground sand city and features a giant sand worm that recalls the imagery of Dune.

The Venture Brothers

Dune is referenced pretty frequently in this animated series. There is a direct callout in the season seven episode “The High Cost of Living” when Henchman 21 compares Professor von Helping’s appearance to Paul Atreides and The Monarch’s to Piter De Vries. Von Helping’s appearance is based on Kyle MacLachlan, who played Paul in Lynch’s adaptation.

Robot Chicken

The skit “Sand Worm Strategy” from Robot Chicken is totally Dune-focused. It’s set on Arrakis and features the worms.

The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy

The most thorough and awesome Dune reference in animation comes from this Cartoon Network series. The show’s third episode, “Mandy the Merciless,” is based on the fourth novel in Herbert’s series, God Emperor of Dune. Mandy assumes the role of Leto from the book, and learns the secret of immortality by transforming into a worm creature. Billy plays the part of Duncan Idaho, and Grim is Moneo. The episode also references Star Wars.

Chuck

The USA series Chuck is another show that wears its Dune love on its sleeve. The eponymous character has a poster of Lynch’s Dune on his bedroom wall, and in the episode “Chuck Versus the Sandworm” he and Morgan dress as a sand worm for a Halloween party. The Dune line “fear is the mind-killer” is also said many times on the show.

Nickelodeon

SpongeBob Squarepants

The episode “Sandy, SpongeBob, and the Worm” has a few clear-cut Dune callouts, most notably a giant sand worm creature called the Alaskan Bull Worm. At one point, when the worm approaches, Sandy picks up a sign saying “worm” that warns of his advances. This is a reference to the wormsign from Dune.

Law & Order: SVU

One episode of this long-running series, titled “Limitations,” features a clever little Dune nod. When a victim in court begins to panic, she utters the phrase: “I must not fear. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear.” Dune fans will recognize this as the Litany Against Fear, spoken many times in the series to help people focus their minds in times of peril.

Wilfred

This comedy series also contains the famous Dune line, “I must not fear, fear is the mind-killer.”

South Park

As with many animated series on this list, South Park also references Dune rather often. The Thanksgiving episode, “A History Channel Thanksgiving,” contains the line, “He who controls the stuffing controls the universe.” The 2019 episode “Turd Burglars” also contains nods to Dune including a spice melange reference.

Warner Bros. Animation

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated

The second season episode of this Scooby-Doo series opens with a narration from a dog named Nova. It mimics the opening sequence of David Lynch’s Dune, where Princess Irulan sets up the story before a galaxy of stars.

Mystery Science Theater 3000

It’d be hard to pin down every time this series throws out Dune mentions. We counted at least 20 different ones throughout the show’s run, including nods to the famous line, “I will kill him,” Gom Jabbar, and Muad’Dib. There are also Dune comparisons a’plenty during the 1993 episode about the film Outlaw of Gor.

Rick and Morty

The third season episode “The Rickshank Rickdemption” includes the line, “He who controls the pants controls the galaxy!”

Major References to Dune in Books

Name of the Wind

Patrick Rothfuss loves to reference his influences in his popular book series The Kingkiller Chronicles, and Dune is no exception. The first book in the saga, The Name of the Wind, contains a scene where a group of children request stories, and one girl says: “I want to hear about the dry lands over the Stormwahl. About the sand snakes that that come out of the ground like sharks. And the dry men who hide under the dunes and drink your blood instead of water.” This is a reference to Arrakis and the Fremen who live there.

National Lampoon’s Doon

This 1984 novel by Ellis Weiner is a parody of Herbert’s Dune, and is noted as “something of a tribute to Herbert’s success on college campuses.” The stories share a general plot, but, ya know, one is much funnier. Weiner’s book changes names like Arrakis to Arruckus and Duke Leto to Duke Lotto. Instead of giant sand worms, Arruckus is inhabited by giant pretzels, and instead of spice being the universe’s vital commodity, it’s beer.

Games

World of Warcraft

This popular online game features an item called Jom Gabbar, which increases attack power. This is a reference to the Gom Jabbar from Dune.

Space Craft III: The Pirates of Pestulon

This fun 1989 adventure game contains a Dune Easter egg. A postcard in Fester’s World O’ Wonders shows the planet Arrakis, and references its dust storms and sand worms.

Bethesda Softworks

Fallout

The post-apocalyptic video game series Fallout has a drug called Mentats, which are chalky red pills that increase memory functions, impact creativity, and speed other mental processes. In Dune, Mentat is a discipline where human brains are trained to replicate computers, after AI are banned in the universe.

Far Cry 3

This 2012 first-person shooter game contains a collectible memory card that describes a drug called Spice, with “interstellar travel” listed as one of its properties. This is a reference to the spice melange in Dune, which also makes interstellar travel possible.

Sudden Strike 4

This 2017 World War II video game has a little Dune nod. During one campaign, you encounter a soldier who says, “I had a weird dream last night. Blue-eyed men were controlling giant worms and fought over spice in the sand.” This is a reference to Arrakis and the Fremen.

Major References to Dune in Music

Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice”

This popular tune by big beat musician Fatboy Slim features vocals from American funk musician Bootsy Collins, who sings, “Walk without rhythm and it won’t attract the worm,” a line straight out of Herbert’s Dune.

30 Seconds to Mars’s 30 Seconds to Mars

The rock band, fronted by Oscar-winner Jared Leto, used their self-titled debut album to explore themes of humanity with space as a metaphor. Many tracks on the record reference Dune, including the song “Capricorn” that features the lyrics, “I’ll start again with a brand new name and eyes that see into infinity,” a nod to Paul Atreides.

Iron Maiden’s “To Tame a Land”

This track off the 1983 album Piece of Mind is based entirely on Dune. The band wanted to call the song “Dune” but Herbert refused, replying to their request, “No. Because Frank Herbert doesn’t like rock bands, particularly heavy rock bands, and especially rock bands like Iron Maiden.” Despite that curt denial, the song still contains several direct references to the book, including terms like Fremen, Muad’Dib, and Caladan.

Grimes’ Geidi Prime

The debut album of Canadian singer Grimes, mother of X Æ A-12, is a concept album based on Herbert’s novel and Lynch’s film adaptation. Geidi Primes is a reference to the planet Giedi Prime from Dune, and every track alludes to some term from the book, such as “Caladan,” House Atreides’ home planet, and “Beast Infection,” after Glossu Rabban. Dune is Grimes’ favorite novel.

Interscope

Lady Gaga’s “Telephone”

Though the actual song doesn’t have any Dune-isms, the music video for Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” features a recipe that any Herbert fan will recognize. She lists “meta-cyanide” in the ingredients for a poisonous brew she concocts in prison. This is a poison referenced in Dune, specifically related to the Gom Jabbar, a needle infused with the toxin.

Tool’s “Liatnie contra la pour”

This song from the 2019 Tool album Fear Inoculum is French and translates to “Litany Against Fear.”

Featured Image: 20th Century Fox Television

Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.

Originally published on May 8, 2020.

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It will never matter how old I am, I will always instinctively turn and run when I hear an ice cream truck go by. But, because I am an adult, these days I collect myself and quickly walk to buy something ridiculous. Some things you simply never outgrow, like a delicious frozen treat purchased from a sidewalk on a hot day. But the next time I have to choose which sweet to eat, I might not opt for Popsicle’s SpongeBob Squarepants bar. The company has given the famous fry cook‘s bar a makeover and we’re not sure who will prefer this new look.

Popsicle has announced a brand-new, updated take on its SpongeBob SquarePants frozen confection bar. The company calls the design a “lovingly drawn sketch-style” interpretation of the iconic Nickelodeon character.

“We were inspired by the many fun faces of SpongeBob SquarePants to create our new sketch-inspired design in a doodled aesthetic,” said Bentley King, U.S. Head of Ice Cream Operations, in a press release. “Capturing his silly smile, his loveable nature beams at fans after seeing what’s behind the wrapper. It is JUST as tasty as the original fruit punch & cotton candy SpongeBob single-serve bar.”

It might be just as tasty, but we’re not sure it looks better. And it is not because Popsicle replaced the gumball eyes with chocolate ones. They did that last summer. (I promise that was a welcome change for parents worried about choking hazards.) This is the most recent version of the frozen confection bar.

That looks like SpongeBob Squarepants. A lot more than the new design does. And it’s not like that old version didn’t qualify as a “sketch-style” treat. SpongeBob is an animated character. He’s already “sketch-style!”

Popsicle created the new bars with Nickelodeon and Paramount Consumer Products. You can grab yours at stores nationwide in six-count packs rather than individually. To buy just one you’ll need to find an ice cream truck where you’ll be too excited to care how much this doesn’t really look like SpongeBob.

The post Popsicle’s New SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS Frozen Treat Redesign Leaves Us Cold appeared first on Nerdist.

Listen here, nerds; gaming discourse always seems to go in the same direction. Everyone always talks about the best characters, weapons, abilities, or levels; never do I hear a brave soul venture to discuss one of gaming’s most ubiquitous features. I, of course, am talking about the health bar—an often underappreciated work of art.

I’ve come across many health bars in my old, decrepit, mid-twenties age. There’s something to be said for games that are able to craft their own unique health bar creation. A health bar can be remarkable for many reasons, ranging from how well it represents the general aesthetic of the game, to how informative it is in regards to your health-related concerns, to sometimes for just how irresistibly bizarre, and goofy, it looks. 

Health bars have long wished to garner the respect they so rightly deserve. I—being the oh-so merciful ruler (i.e. the biggest nerd)—will oblige. Here are seven picks for health bars that are truly the epitome of remarkable. 

Super Mario Sunshine (2002)

Kicking off the list is a somewhat controversial title, since some consider it to be the black sheep of the mainline 3D Mario titles: Super Mario Sunshine. Not to get overly political or anything, but I’m an anti-summer and anti-beach person. Super Mario Sunshine is the rare exception to this rule. 

This includes the game’s pleasant-looking, sun-inspired health meter, which looks like the sort of cartoonish sketching you’d jot down in your textbooks as you try to brave through the perils of math class.

Resident Evil (1996)

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Resident Evil series, which is hardly a joyous or upbeat experience. While these kinds of games aren’t my cup of tea, the health bar of the Resident Evil franchise deserves praise for simply how unique it is. 

The game uses an ECG (electrocardiogram) to measure the status of your character; it’s the most appropriate thing that I’ve ever seen in anything. Like, nothing—not even the casting of Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool—can hold a candle to this magnificent decision.

Pac-Man World Series (1999-2005)

Don’t tell anyone, but one of my core beliefs is that the Pac-Man World series deserves an HD remaster. There are plenty of aspects about this underrated platformer series I cherish deeply, including its simple health bar that makes me giggle with how perfect it is every time. 

Making a health bar that wasn’t based on the legendary pie design would’ve been an insult to our thick yellow boy, so this health bar is an example of when people do their one job and do it well.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom (2003)

Is there anything more befitting of the sponge that lives in a pineapple under the sea? With the remaster just recently being released, I got to thinking: Has any game ever used underwear as a main commodity as much as Battle for for Bikini Bottom? 

Before any nerds reference, like, some obscure Commodore 64 game, let’s just say it’s not every day you see underpants used to tally hit points.

Kingdom Hearts Series (2002-Present)

I’m not even going to attempt to begin to explain Kingdom Hearts, but I will say that the health bars serve, in a way, as the perfect symbolism for the convolutedness of the series. This monstrosity is actually kind of hilarious to look at.

The health bar also serves as one of the better visual representations of growth in an RPG that I can think of. Seeing your tiny wedge grow into an entity longer than the equator line is immensely satisfying. 

Spider-Man on GameBoy Advanced (2002)

Not only is Spider-Man my favorite character fictional character in existence, but I remember playing this game a ton. When my mom would drive me to school, I’d spend some time trying to beat whatever level I was stuck on; I swear the boss fight against Shocker was impossible.
The health bar came in the form of a literal red web that would see chunks of it disappear. Despite how arbitrary the amount of damage you took seemed, the thing was just plain rad.

Conker’s Bad Fur Day (2001)

This should be pretty self-explanatory for anyone that enjoys good things (i.e. chocolate, which is an extremely good thing). While a lot of the jokes and crudeness of Conker’s Bad Fur Day don’t exactly age well, the boldness and “how in the world is this game real?” sentiment of the game can’t be understated. 

Honestly, I’d put forth a bill to the senate to have more games use chocolate—or any number of other delectable treats—as their health bars. 

Originally published September 3, 2020.

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One of the best things about cartoons is that unlike actual actors they never have to get old. Bart, Lisa, and Maggie can still be kids for 33 seasons of The Simpsons. Just like the Scooby Doo gang can drive the Mystery Machine for decades without ever filling out Medicare paperwork. And since cartoons don’t age, we never have to think about their mortality. At least we didn’t until we saw this artist’s anatomically correct 3D-renderings of animated characters’ skulls. But don’t worry, they’re so cool you’ll still be able to ignore the thought of SpongeBob actually dying. At least for a little bit.

Czech freelance 3D artist Filip Hodas has turned classic cartoons into works of art that are both macabre and playful. His Cartoon Fossils collection (which we first came across at Bored Panda) imagines what lies underneath the animated skin and muscle of some famous animated features. (With some defining features like hats and glasses to make each computer rendering easily recognizable.) That includes—aww gawrsh— Canis Goofus, the skull of Goofy. As well as Anas Scroogius, the cranial remains of Scrooge McDuck. A poignant reminder that death awaits the rich and poor alike.

And who resides in a coffin under the sea? The barnacle-encrusted skull of Spongia Bobæ, SpongeBob Squarepants. He’s joined in the collection by the decaying head of Homo Popoculis. As Popeye proves no amount of spinach can make you powerful enough to defeat the Grim Reaper.

Hodas also memorialized Mus Minnius (Minnie Mouse) and Canaria Tweeta (Tweety Bird). Their skulls also stand as a testament to the cats who clearly killed them and cleaned their bones dry.

This collection is just one of many Hodas has created. Make sure to check out more of his fantastic 3D work at his Bēhance, Instagram, and Facebook pages. That includes another line of anatomically correct skulls. That one celebrates dead memes.

Sure, his work has us doing something we never have before and never wanted to do. We’re thinking about Goofy’s funeral. But that’s what makes this collection so good. Cartoons don’t actually have to die. And they don’t actually have skulls.

The post Artist’s Cartoon Skulls Make the Macabre Playful appeared first on Nerdist.

Even though some of us love to fall asleep to a good TV show, it’s probably not a great habit for our melatonin levels. (Or eyes or REM sleep or dreams.) Fans of SpongeBob SquarePants, however, now have access to a loophole: a new, 45 minute SpongeBob-inspired ASMR video from YouTuber asmr zeitgeist. And it’ll have you tingling like Mr. Krabs counting stacks of cash in no time.

Zeitgeist, an extremely popular propagator of ASMR videos on YouTube, recently posted the sounds of SpongeBob to his channel. For those unfamiliar, zeitgeist has a huge library of ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) videos. Including ones that will melt your brain with sonic pleasures. As well as ones that would work for a Halloween party just as well as they would for nappy time.

In this particular sensational suite of sounds, zeitgeist offers an “extra tingly” taste of Bikini Bottom. Zeitgeist notes in the video’s description that the sounds are perfect for relaxation and sleep; blending a potpourri of bubbles popping, foam oozing, and sponges dripping water. Although there’s no talking, which we’ve enjoyed in other videos. (Zeitgeist has a voice so smooth even the Butter Bot from Rick and Morty wouldn’t mind dedicating its existence to it.)

asmr zeitgeist

The video is long enough that it should work as background noise for whatever chill act you may find yourself doing. Whether that be meditating or stretching or contemplating how in the world Keanu Reeves manages to stay looking 30 at 57. Maybe it’s because he’s into SpongeBob and it keeps him young at heart?

Regardless of whatever anti-aging tricks Reeves has up his sleeves, everybody knows good sleep is key to good health. Which means if you’re ready for bed, try playing a couple of other videos along with Spongebob Squarepants ASMR one. A munching reptile may even help to send you off to dreamland.

Feature image: asmr zeitgeist

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Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?! SPONGEBO—wrong. Only real aquatic creatures live under the sea. And most of them look like freakin’ aliens. Recently, however, oceanic explorers did grab footage of a sea sponge and an accompanying starfish, who make for dead ringers for SpongeBob and Patrick.

NOAA / Christopher Mah

Peta Pixel picked up on the IRL SpongeBob and Patrick in the video and images above and below. Marine biologist and starfish expert, Christopher Mah, recently posted the above picture to Twitter. He noted in his tweet that he usually tries to ignore references like this one. But he couldn’t help but drop a WOW and then make the link for the public.

Mah spoke with NPR and outlined how he and other scientists were watching a live feed from a submersible when they spotted the doppelgängers. Explorers launched the submarine into the Atlantic from the NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s exploration vessel dedicated to exploring the world’s oceans. (It’s a federal vessel, so we’re all funding its research, FYI.)

NOAA

As for the sponge and starfish in the footage, Mah told NPR “They’re just a dead ringer for the cartoon” characters. The marine biologist did add, however, that “In all likelihood, the reason that starfish is right next to that sponge is because that sponge is just about to be devoured, at least in part.”

Yes, unlike the cartoon’s cheery portrayal of the relationship between sea sponge and starfish, the real-life dynamic is anything but. “The reality is a little crueler than perhaps a cartoon would suggest,” Mah told NPR. Although he did add that the sponge may be yellow due to toxic chemicals it contains to ward off predators like IRL Patrick. Which, we’re guessing, works way better than just closing the shutters on the undersea pineapple house.

Feature image: NOAA / Christopher Mah

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Nickelodeon continues to be a staple in family programming, giving generations of children characters who stick with them for life. In today’s times, the network still keeps pace with new content, all while revisiting older shows too. But if you really want to keep people’s attention, you have to have a podcast, right? Who doesn’t want to talk about those SpongeBob SquarePants episodes that inspire memes today? Or dig into the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender and its characters? This is exactly what Nickelodeon is doing via a collaboration with iHeartRadio for not one, but two new podcasts about Avatar: The Last Airbender and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Courtesy of Nickelodeon/iHeartRadio

According to a press release, Avatar voice actors Janet Varney (a.k.a. Korra) and Dante Basco (a.k.a. Prince Zuko) will host Avatar: Braving the Elements. The original podcast will launch on June 22 and span a whopping 40 episodes. Varney and Basco will rewatch all the episodes and talk about the show’s themes and behind-the-scenes happenings. Special guests and producers will make appearances to talk about this universe and its creation. Think of it as the perfect excuse to see the series again and learn something new.

Varney expressed her excitement over working with Basco and diving into Avatar: The Last Airbender again. “It’s very rare to get to work on something that is so deeply rewarding, rich, and ongoing as the Avatar-verse,” said Varney. “I am so excited to be doing this new podcast with my wonderful friend Dante Basco where we’re going to be talking about all things Avatar-verse, starting with Season 1 of The Last Airbender, episode 1. We can’t wait to have everybody listen. It’s going to be a really fun ride.”

Courtesy of Nickelodeon/iHeartRadio

The SpongeBob SquarePants podcast will have two fan hosts anchoring its ship. Who, you might ask? Frankie Grande from Henry Danger and Hector Navarro of Nerdist Book Club and Geek & Sundry fame. SpongeBob BingePants (giggle) will recap all the show’s episodes with its hosts diving into the secrets of Bikini Bottom.

Their commentary will be hilarious because 1) they are funny and 2) there’s endless hilarity in SpongeBob’s universe. Right now, there’s no premiere date, but it will last 40 episodes as well. Navarro spoke about the upcoming podcast and his excitement over diving into one of his childhood staples.

“Like millions of fans around the world, I grew up with SpongeBob SquarePants and it didn’t take me long to realize he was *THE* cartoon icon of our time!” said Navarro. “It was an honor to get to host the Nick Animation Podcast and now I am beyond thrilled I get to co-host this amazing show all about revisiting Bikini Bottom, from the very beginning! ARE YA READY, KIDS???”

We are beyond ready, Hector. The Avatar: The Last Airbender and SpongeBob SquarePants podcasts will be available via iHeartRadio as well as other podcast platforms.

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Every parent knows what happens when an ice cream truck passes through their neighborhood. Their kids plead for money. Even if they just had dinner or even a cupcake, no child can ignore the siren’s call of a sweet frozen treat. (In fairness, neither can we.) But a few bucks is a small price to pay to avoid hearing them complain about a lack of ice cream. And it’s basically peanuts compared to what one mom in Brooklyn had to deal with. Forget spending too much money at a single truck. Her four-year-old son ordered more than $2,600 worth of SpongeBob SquarePants popsicles from Amazon.

NBC Washington reports on the misadventures of precocious young Noah. (Well, misadventure for his mom. This is a fantasy come true for kids everywhere.) He ordered 51 cases—CASES—of popsicles celebrating Bikini Bottom’s most famous resident. With 18 bars to a case, that works out to 918 popsicles total. And at a cost of more than $51 per case, the final price tag totaled $2,618.85. Even Richie Rich would find that extravagant.

Noah’s mom, NYU Silver School of Social Work student Jennifer Bryant, definitely did. Amazon would not let her return the popsicles, most of which melted. She was on the hook for the whole bill, an impossible spot for the mother of three.

Nickelodeon

Fortunately a whole lot of people stepped up to help out. Bryant’s classmate, Katie Schloss, started a GoFundMe campaign after seeing Bryant’s social media post about what happened. As of this writing, 470 donors have contributed almost $12,000 to cover the expenses. That’s practically enough to pay off the whole SpongeBob bill while still having enough to buy an ice cream truck of your own.

Of course, thanks to Noah, we know those aren’t exactly cheap to stock either. The best move might be to save that extra money and just hand out a couple of dollars each time an ice cream truck comes by. Just make sure Jeff Bezos doesn’t own it.

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The Op

The Op‘s newest Monopoly version features the denizens of Bikini Bottom. But you won’t buy and sell the Krusty Krab or Squidward’s house in this game. You’ll dabble in digital “dollars.” This is a celebration of SpongeBob Squarepants memes. From the game’s official description:

Monopoly SpongeBob SquarePants Meme Edition is a hilarious twist on the classic, letting players buy, sell, and trade the most internet-famous images of characters from Nickelodeon’s animated series. Capitalize on properties to channel ‘Savage Patrick,’ or make like ‘Mocking SpongeBob’ as you pay rent. Set down a lawn chair for the wholesome mishaps behind Comments and Shares cards (instead of Community & Chest cards) and stack up as many Likes (aka $$) as you can to bankrupt your Bubble Buddies and win!

The Op

Designed for ages eight and up, the game ($39.99) plays two to six players. It has an expected runtime of an hour plus. Along with a very colorful, very funny board, you’ll also get: six tokens, 28 title deed cards, 16 shares cards, 16 comments cards, custom money, 32 houses renamed posts, 12 hotels renamed collections, and dice.

You will also get rewarded for all the time you have spent in life watching SpongeBob Squarepants. As well as all those hours making memes based on the show. But the best part is that, whether you win or lose, you’ll know exactly what meme to send your opponent after the game.

Featured Image: The Op

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Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon announced (in news we first heard at Variety) that it has ordered 13 episodes of the all-new The Patrick Star Show. Produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, the series will be a prequel. Work on the show was first reported by Deadline last August.

Viewers will meet a slightly younger version of the iconic starfish. Based on Nickelodeon’s description, it will be a different format from the original series. All while keeping the same silliness that makes Patrick such a great character. Nickelodeon calls it a “family sitcom” that will feature the whole Star clan. The family is “constantly disrupted by Patrick’s wild whims and surreal imagination.”

But the show will also pull from another classic TV format too. From the official press release:

“The Patrick Star Show follows a younger Patrick Star living at home with his family, where he hosts his own show for the neighborhood from his television-turned-bedroom. His little sister, Squidina, works behind the scenes to make sure Patrick’s show is always running smoothly, while his parents, Bunny and Cecil and his grandpa, GrandPat, each support Patrick in their own hilariously absurd ways. The Star family’s unpredictable adventures often inform, integrate, and sometimes even interfere with Patrick’s TV show, but one thing is for sure: his bizarre life always makes for great television!”

Nickelodeon

A Patrick family sitcom would work on its own. As would a Patrick Star talk show. Combining the two genres should provide a lot of freedom for the writers to get really silly.

“Nickelodeon is diving deeper into Bikini Bottom to give fans a look at our lovable young adult Patrick Star and his entire family with a sitcom only he could imagine up,” said Ramsey Naito, President, Nickelodeon Animation, in a statement. “This second original spinoff allows us to expand our reach, tell new stories and connect with our audience around the world who continue to love these characters.”

Bill Fagerbakke will remain as the voice of Patrick. Joining him will be Tom Wilson (Back to the Future). He’ll play Cecil Star, Patrick’s “fun-loving, happy-go-lucky dad” who always puts his family first. Cree Summer (Inspector Gadget) will voice Bunny Star. She’s “Patrick’s loving, sea star mom who is a kooky oddball” herself. Summer will also play Grandma Tentacles, Squidward’s grandma.

Nickelodeon

Jill Talley (SpongeBob SquarePants) will play Squidina Star, “Patrick’s eight-year-old little sister who sees herself as Patrick’s executive producer for his imaginary” television show. And Dana Snyder (The Penguins of Madagascar) voices GrandPat Star, “Patrick’s genius grandpat, the most intelligent member of the Star family,” which might be damning him with feint praise. We don’t know for sure how far the Patrick apple rolled from the tree.

The stars of SpongeBob Squarepants will also join the cast. That includes: Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward Tentacles), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy Cheeks), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton). The series will debut this summer on Nickelodeon.

This news comes on the day the first SpongeBob Squarepants spinoff, Kamp Koral, debuted on Paramount+. Not all SpongeBob fans will be happy about either development, though. SpongeBob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg never wanted his show to have any spinoffs. Kamp Koral was only announced a few months after his passing in 201.

Clearly Nickelodeon does not feel beholden to his wishes. And Bikini Bottom, in many forms, is going to continue being a part of our lives for a long time.

Featured Image: Nickelodeon

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He wasn’t Peter Quill’s real dad. But David Hasselhoff belongs to all of us. And now you can own a little piece of the Knight Rider and Baywatch star yourself. The Hoff has joined in on an auction selling many items from his long career. But if you want “Big Dave” from The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie you are going to have to pay some pretty big bucks.

Diligent Estate Auctions/LiveAuctioneers

On Saturday, January 23, Diligent Estate Auctions and LiveAuctioneers will put a 150-lot David Hasselhoff collection up for bid. The auction includes items, both big and small, affordable and not, from the actor’s decades-long career on stage and screen and in the recording booth. Fans will have a chance to nab costume pieces, awards, scripts, photos, unique possessions The Hoff has accumulated over the decades—like a signed surfboard—and even lunch with the actor himself. The collection also features a number of holy grail items for his most devoted—and deep pocketed—fans.

That includes his very own KITT car. It is “fully functional” and features the “brilliantly colorful illuminated dash and console” Knight Rider fans will recognize immediately. It was expected to go for a whopping $175,000-$300,000. However, the bidding has already reached $375,000. The iconic automobile is currently located in the UK. If it sells for a high enough price David Hasselhoff will personally deliver it. If, though, like most people on the planet, you can’t afford that, a kid’s KITT pedal car is expected to go somewhere between $400-$500.

Diligent Estate Auctions/LiveAuctioneers

Hasselhoff is also selling his 1961 Mercedes-Benz SL190. It has been in his family for over 40 years. Considering “Germans love David Hasselhoff,” it could easily exceed it’s $60,000-$90,000 listing price too.

The pièce de résistance, though, might be “Big Dave,” the 14-foot bodysurfing replica used in 2004’s The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. The infamous prop has already reached the midpoint of it’s expected eye-popping $750,000-$1.5 million estimate. That’s a whole lot of money for a whole lot of The Hoff.

Diligent Estate Auctions/LiveAuctioneers

Although “very few” of the items “have the personal input and hands-on involvement of the star,” Hasselhoff has worked with the auction houses to promote the collection. That has included autographing many items. And a portion of the proceeds will be going directly to Hasselhoff’s favorite charities.

The auction begins at 12pm ET on January 23rd. Fans can bid both absentee or live online exclusively through LiveAuctioneers. We expect a certain guardian of the galaxy to have some stiff competition that day.

Featured Image: Diligent Estate Auctions/LiveAuctioneers

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And there’s already a “Pineapple Under the Sea” recipe for them to try.

Mondo

The latest addition to Mondo’s line of pop culture tiki mugs celebrate Nickelodeon’s beloved animated series. There are three different options, all designed by Joe Allard and sculpted by Ramirez Studios. The first is a 32-ounce one of SpongeBob himself. The mug ($50) features our favorite fry-cook looking like he might have had a few too many tiki mugs himself. It’s like he’s giving his concerned friends a double thumbs-up while they get him some water.

SpongeBob’s best friend Patrick also has his own mug ($60). It’s our favorite of the bunch. The big lovable starfish can hold 25 ounces, but looks shocked that anyone would be drinking out of the top of his pointy head.

Mondo

Finally there’s one based on Squidward’s moai-inspired house. The 30-ounce drinkware ($55) is much less of a buzzkill than Squidward would be.

There’s no way he’d enjoy any party where guests were drinking out of tiki mugs.

Mondo

Each mug comes with three options. They are all available in a base color that matches the series. And all three designs feature Riptide and Driftwood variants. The Riptide mugs have a blue/brown glaze, and the Driftwood mugs come with a reactive brown glaze.

Mondo also shared a perfect recipe for them. Their “Pineapple Under the Sea” cocktail calls for pineapple juice, rum, blue curaçao, and cream of coconut, along with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherries for garnish.

Yeah that sounds delicious.

But only people—and TV shows—that are 21 and older should drink them.

Featured Image: Mondo

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“SpongeBob Anime Ep #1: Bubble Bass Arc” is definitely not meant for small children, though, but that’s just another reason we love everything about it.

The YouTube channel Narmak posted a 14-minute short that re-imagines Bikini Bottom as a Japanese anime series. The cartoon, which took six months to complete and is even better than the teaser promised, stars SpongeBob and his friends. He battles “a blubbered and belligerent foe as the fate of the secret formula hangs in the balance.”

The short begins with SpongeBob learning that the detestable Bubble Bass has stolen the secret formula for the the five-pickled patty. That’s not as bad as what Mr. Krabbs has done in response. He sent Squidward off by himself to retrieve it. Little does SpongeBob know that his seemingly greedy boss is only trying to protect his fry cook from a dark secret. A secret about himself.

From there SpongeBob encounters Sandy and a deep-voiced, in-shape Patrick. They foolishly let an honor-bound Squidward go off by himself. From there things get really dark—and really funny—as the showdown with Bubble Bass gets deadly.

Narmak Animation

There’s so much going on here it’s impossible to celebrate everything we love about this fantastic short. But we would have been perfectly content if this was merely just the amazing “Precious Time” theme song. Also, we love the little touches that callback to the series, like Bubble Bass mocking SpongeBob for “forgetting” his pickles.

But the line “and I can’t even….play the clarinet” might be the single best moment. Somehow that made us sad and made us laugh. It also made us hope there’s an episode two. After 20 years SpongeBob is ready for some more anime adventures.

Featured Image: Narmak Animation

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What do you do when you think someone is pretending to be a health inspector to get free food? Most people would just call city hall, but not Spongebob and Mr. Krabs. They decided to dish out some Bikini Bottom street justice by serving up the most disgusting version of a Krabby Patty ever made. It was vile and it was hideous. It was also poisonous and almost killed the actual health inspector who ate it. But we would be willing to try this totally edible version inspired by it. Because someone made a real-life version of SpongeBob Squarepants‘ Nasty Patty.

And while it might not look good, it sounds tasty.

Danny Jay Do posted his take on the Nasty Patty (which we first saw at Foodbeast) to his Facebook page. It only looks like the version SpongeBob and Mr. Krabs almost killed the health inspector with. They used a regular Krabby Patty and added Volcano hot sauce, disgusting Seahorse radish (“the gnarliest stuff in the ocean”), and toenail clippings. They then dropped it into the toilet and dried it with old gym socks.

….Mmm.

This real take doesn’t look great, but it’s a lot more appetizing (and safe). It’s also a lot healthier.

Nickelodeon

It’s a turkey burger encrusted with pea snap crumbs, covered with a goat cheese aoili, a pea and turkey gravy, and Swiss chard veins and leaf. And the whole thing rests on a homemade cranberry brioche bun.

It really does look like a Nasty Patty. Fortunately it doesn’t taste like one. Jo says, “HOLY F*$@%#:& this is amazing LOL like, my God, this taste so good.” Sounds like he likes it.

Plus it won’t almost kill you or get your restaurant shutdown. And really, any version that doesn’t end with you burying someone to hid your crimes is an improvement on the original Nasty Patty.

Featured Image: Nickelodeon

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Looks like the voice cast of SpongeBob SquarePants is heading back to Bikini Bottom once again. They’re getting together for a special virtual table read. Rather than choosing a single episode to read straight through, they’re instead performing memorable moments from multiple episodes. They’re giving power to the fans to choose iconic scenes that they’ll then recreate. It’s a fun way to approach a table read for Nickelodeon’s longest-running animated series.

Nickelodeon

SpongeBob SquarePants premiered in 1999. It’s remained the most-watched animated program for kids for the past 17 years. Yes, seventeen years! We have no doubt that fans of all ages will be excited to watch the cast’s virtual performance. The Stars of SpongeBob Fan Favorites Special will also incorporate animation from the original series alongside the cast’s new performances. You can place your vote for what you want to see at NickPlay.com right now.

The episode selection is pretty solid, with classics like “F.U.N. Song” and “Band Rehearsal,” as well as lesser known gems such as “My Wallet” and “Sweater of Tears.” We know the table read will also include a performance of a new rendition of the “F.U.N. Song.” I can’t wait to see what they change in that song that is now stuck in my head for the rest of the day.

While you can only vote for one episode at a time on the website, it doesn’t seem that there’s a limit to how many times you can vote. So if you’re dying to see voice talents like Tom Kenny and Clancy Brown act out your favorite scenes, get to voting!

This virtual table read is a welcome addition to the many casts that have already come together in these trying times to raise money and bring joy to those who love their shows. This particular table read will be a great event for families who want to see SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy ,and the rest of the gang IRL (from the safety of their homes). See you at the virtual Krusty Krab on Nickelodeon on June 5th!

Featured Image: Nickelodeon

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With all the big summer releases like Black Widow and Wonder Woman 1984, you might have forgotten that another beloved pop culture icon is coming back to theaters this year as well. I speak now of the great SpongeBob Squarepants, whose new film The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run hits theaters on May 22. And just like all those other big movies, Sponge On The Run is getting a new TV spot for the Super Bowl.

You can check out the new ad (with blink and ya miss ’em appearances by Keanu Reeves and Snoop Dogg!) down below:

So what can fans expect from SpongeBob’s return to to the big screen? For starters, this is the first SpongeBob SquarePants movie to be fully animated in a stylized CG format, instead of the traditional 2D animation. Although worry not, all the regular cast from the classic TV series will reprise their roles for this one. This isn’t the only SpongeBob-related project skipping the usual 2D animation style either. It was announced last year that a new original SpongeBob prequel series called Kamp Koral was in development by Nickelodeon and Paramount, and that it will center around the 10-year-old versions of SpongeBob and his friends during their summer at sleep-away camp. And just like this new movie, it’ll be a CG-rendered affair.

Paramount Pictures

Last year marked the 20th anniversary of SpongeBob, which debuted in May of 1999. The hope was that Sponge On The Run would be in theaters in time to celebrate the big two-o, but the movie was delayed several times, first from February 2019, then to the fall, and finally to May 2020. This is actually the third SpongeBob movie overall. The first was The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie back in 2004, followed by its sequel The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, which came out eleven years later. Luckily, fans didn’t have to wait that long for the third installment. You know you’re a true movie star when you’ve got yourself a trilogy. And if you get Hans Zimmer to provide the score.

Paramount Pictures

SpongeBob became an instant pop culture sensation when it first debuted in 1999, and has since had a run for twelve seasons and 244 episodes and counting. In addition to the movies, there has also been a Tony award winning Broadway musical, several different video games, and even some theme park rides. And of course, the true sign that you’re a pop culture icon is getting a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which he has.

Sponge On The Run features the voices of Tom Kenny as SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary the Snail, Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star, Rodger Bumpass as Squidward Tentacles, Clancy Brown as Eugene H. Krabs, Mr. Lawrence as Sheldon J. Plankton, Jill Talley as Karen Plankton, Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy Cheeks, Mary Jo Catlett as Mrs. Puff, and Lori Alan as Pearl Krabs. And in addition to the classic cast, Awkwafina and Reggie Watts join the previously mentioned Keanu Reeves and Snoop Dogg in undisclosed roles.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Sponge On The Run hits theaters on May 22, 2020.

Featured Image: Paramount Pictures

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But that’s not the most exciting part of the movie’s first trailer, which features our favorite yellow denizen of Bikini Bottom leaving his pineapple home behind to find Gary. That’s where they will meet one of our favorite celebrities. It’s an unlikely cameo that proves the series is still finding most excellent ways to entertain us even after twenty years: SpongeBob and Patrick will meet Keanu Reeves.

From the film’s official synopsis:

“This Memorial Day weekend, SpongeBob SquarePants, his best friend Patrick Star and the rest of the gang from Bikini Bottom hit the big screen in the first-ever all CGI SpongeBob motion picture event. After SpongeBob’s beloved pet snail Gary is snail-napped, he and Patrick embark on an epic adventure to The Lost City of Atlantic City to bring Gary home. As they navigate the delights and dangers on this perilous and hilarious rescue mission, SpongeBob and his pals prove there’s nothing stronger than the power of friendship.”

Forget burying the lede, that official movie synopsis leaves the cameo out entirely! Yes, we’re excited to see a live-action, 3D CGI-animated SpongeBob movie on the big screen. We also love the idea of him and Patrick being lured into the bright lights of Atlantic City. That’s a great premise with lots of absurd scenarios to have fun with. And we definitely love getting to watch young SpongeBob and a baby Gary start their lives together. But you have Keanu Reeves in your film playing a sage who also happens to be a talking sage bush. You have got to mention that as often as you can. Entire advertising campaigns don’t have that kind of gold to work with.

How many movies or TV shows wish they could have plastered this image on to the side of a bus?

Paramount Pictures

Yes, the correct answer IS all of them.

Of course, we shouldn’t ignore what else is important in this trailer. It looks absolutely great. The world and characters fully come to life in CGI. And we are 100% committed to the main story. What kind of monster would take Gary and why? We’ve been living with that adorable, meowing snail for two decades and we can’t imagine life without him. Especially now that we can sit at a blackjack table with him.

Directed by former show writer Tim Hill (Muppets From Space), who also penned 2004’s The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, the film stars series regulars Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Clancy Brown, Lori Alan, Mr. Lawrence, Rodger Bumpass, and Carolyn Lawrence, with a guest spot from Awkwafina.

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run comes to theaters next year, May, 2020.

Featured Image: Paramount Pictures

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Are you ready kids? Ready for the most nefarious theory about two of Bikini Bottom’s most beloved residents: the retired superheroes Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy. Sure the show might’ve given some hints at their backstory – but are those stories reliable? Are Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy really the Navy’s dark, forgotten secret? Join Dan Casey as he *dives* into the theory.

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Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and is about to get a remastered version of his popular old video game? SpongeBob SquarePants. The kid-favorite cult-classic Battle for Bikini Bottom is coming to PC and consoles with a remastered, “rehydrated” version.

Original game publisher THQ Nordic announced they have teamed up with Nickelodeon and Purple Lamp Studios for a “faithfully remade” version of the 2003 game that saw Plankton and his army of tiny robots—made by his Duplicatotron 3000—invade Bikini Bottom. (Of course Plankton screwed up and became the first victim of his own robot army. Of course he did.) The announcement also came with a new teaser trailer, which is officially titled SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated.

“Play as SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy and show the evil Plankton that crime pays even less than Mr. Krabs. Want to save Bikini Bottom from lots of rampant robots? Of course you do! Want to underpants bungee jump? Why wouldn’t you! Want to join forces in a brand new multiplayer mode? The battle is on!”

It’s unclear what that new multiplayer mode will ultimately entail, but it should offer gamers a new way to experience Battle for Bikini Bottom, which has built a cult following over the years despite only getting lukewarm reviews when it was first released on October 31, 2003. (Man, SpongeBob has been in our lives longer than most people we know).

The only major change from the original, which sold almost 900,000 copies for the Playstation and over 700,000 for the Game Boy Advance, appears to be the developers. While Purple Lamp Studios will be responsible for this remastered version, it was originally developed by Heavy Iron Studios, AWE Games, and Vicarious Visions. Well, there is one other change. They won’t be making Rehydrated for the Nintendo GameCube this time. (Seriously, how old are we?)

And since the generation that grew up on this game are now adults themselves, the question this time will be a little different when we visit Bikini Bottom to fight some evil robots: “Are you ready, kids? What about your parents?”

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated will be available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows sometime in 2020.

Featured Image: THQ Nordic

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Everyone is getting a prequel these days. Big Bang Theory, Breaking Bad, and soon, Game of Thrones. Now, we can add SpongeBob to that list. According to a report coming out of Deadline,  Nickelodeon has ordered 13 episodes of Kamp Koral, a spin-off of the long running and beloved SpongeBob SquarePants. Although the original series is animated in a more traditional 2D format, this new prequel series will be a CG-animated affair. It will center around the 10-year-old version of SpongeBob during his summer at sleep-away camp. Production on Kamp Koral begins this summer, so expect it to debut sometime in 2020.

According to the report, Kamp Koral will show us how the kid versions of SpongeBob and his friends spent the summer. We’ll see them building underwater campfires, catching wild jellyfish, and swimming in Lake Yuckymuck at “the craziest camp in the kelp forest, Kamp Koral.” SpongeBob SquarePants‘ Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller co-executive produce the prequel. No telling yet what other “junior” versions of classic SpongeBob characters we are going to see in the series, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see most of our favorites.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of SpongeBob, which debuted in May of 1999. It became an instant pop culture sensation, and has run for twelve seasons and 244 episodes and counting. In addition, there have been two SpongeBob movies, with a third on the way next year. There has even been a Tony award winning Broadway musical. Not to mention all the different video games and theme park rides, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s surprising it has taken this long to produce a proper spin-off series. But it’s smart of the folks at Nickelodeon to wait for the right project to come along.

Images: Nickelodeon 

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Nickelodeon has big plans for everyone’s favorite pineapple dwelling sponge, but is a SpongeBob SquarePants Expanded Universe enough to win back young viewers? Host Amy Vorpahl breaks down the potential future nautical nonsense in today’s Nerdist News!

Editor’s note: This episode of Nerdist News is sponsored by Alita: Battle Angel.

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Sit still, they’re coming right back.

As a former Snick kid, it’s been awesome watching Kenan Thompson’s career explode. The comedian has been a Saturday Night Live cast member for 16 years, the longest of any cast member in the history of the show. But before that, we kids knew him as the funny guy from All That and Kenan & Kel. Thompson must be feeling the same sense of nostalgia the rest of us have for old-school Nickelodeon, because he’s just been hired to executive produce a reboot of All That.

via GIPHY

And that’s not all: Nickelodeon president Brian Robbins says that other former cast members are expected to make a return in the new series. All That kickstarted the careers of actors like Thompson and Amanda Bynes, and even launched the spinoff movie Good Burger, starring Thompson and his Kenan & Kel co-star Kel Mitchell. (I bet you anything just hearing those words prompted you to think, “Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger, can I take your order?”)

All That isn’t the only nostalgic Nickelodeon show getting a second life. The network is also working on a series of spinoffs for characters from the cartoon series SpongeBob SquarePants, though details as of yet are scant.

The All That reboot is expected to have a new cast of young people, which Thompson will help cast. He told Variety he isn’t giving up his gig at SNL, but will still be involved in establishing the show’s tone.

We’re pretty stoked that a new generation gets to grow up with All That, but can’t help but wonder which nostalgic segments and characters might make a reappearance. “Ask Ashley”? “Vital Information with Lori Beth Denberg”? I’m personally gunning for Thompson to slip back into the bathtub for “Everyday French with Pierre Escargot.”

No word yet on when the new series will launch, but we’ll definitely be watching on our big orange couch.

Images: Nickelodeon

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SpongeBob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg passed away this week. The animator, who previously worked on Nickelodeon‘s Rocko’s Modern Life before creating his own seminal, generationally adored series, was just 57 years old. His passing created a wave on social media, with young people who grew up with the Bikini Bottom residents sharing childhood memories of the show.We wanted to create our own tribute to Hillenburg’s legacy by celebrating the happiest moments of SpongeBob Squarepants. The moments when friendship was on full display, in all of its loving, hilarious glory.

F.U.N. – “The F.U.N.” Song

Even if you don’t know SpongeBob like the back of your hand, you’ve probably heard this song. The tyrannical – and miniature – Plankton needs a lesson about what it means to enjoy friendship, and SpongeBob delivers it to him in the form of this catchy song. “F is for friends who do stuff together,” it goes. You probably remember the rest.

Band Geeks – The gang helps Squidward

Squidward is known as Bikini Bottom’s resident grump, which makes him one of the show’s loneliest characters. Deep down, the clarinet-loving squid just wants to be respected for his craft, and that’s exactly what happens in this classic episode. In order to impress his rival, Squilliam, Squidward assembles a band who – by episode’s end – have become unbelievably great, allowing Squidward a win a moment in the sun he wouldn’t have gotten without friends.

This Grill is Not a Home – “Without You”

SpongeBob and Patrick are best friends, so there’s not shortage of moments between them. But we’re soft for this episode, where the two compete as rivals in the annual Fry Cook Games. The two spend much of the episode quarreling and physically fighting, but in their last competition, their pants split, revealing that each is wearing underwear in the color of the other one. “You do care?!” they say mutually, embracing. A friendship for the ages!

Images: Nickelodeon

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The cultural impact of SpongeBob SquarePants cannot be denied. From the many memes and gifs it generated, to the constantly quotable dialogue, to the characters who found their way into the hearts of children and adults the world over, the Nickelodeon cartoon series has been a cultural monument since its debut in 1999.On Monday, November 28, 2018, the man who created it all died. As Variety reports, Stephen Hillenburg has passed at age 57 from ALS, a neurodegenerative disorder. The cartoonist and animator announced he was diagnosed with the disease last March.Nickelodeon released a statement addressing the news of Hillenburg’s passing and his great contribution to their network:

“We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS. He was a beloved friend and long-time creative partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family. Steve imbued ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ with a unique sense of humor and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere. His utterly original characters and the world of Bikini Bottom will long stand as a reminder of the value of optimism, friendship and the limitless power of imagination.â€

That optimism and love was felt in every moment of the series. Moments like this one spring instantly to mind with the news of Hillenburg’s untimely passing:

Hillenburg, a California native, attended the California Institute of Arts in 1987 to pursue a career in animation. After a few successful short films, he was hired by Nickelodeon to work on the cartoon series Rocko’s Modern Life. In 1994, he began developing the characters who would eventually populate Bikini Bottom in SpongeBob SquarePants, including the titular sponge, his best friend Patrick Star, rival neighbor Squidward Tentacles, and more.SpongeBob SquarePants premiered in 1999 and still airs to this day (the series is in its twelfth season). It has inspired two spinoff movies–the first of which Hillenburg directed and the second of which he wrote–and a Broadway musical, which was nominated for 12 Tony awards. A third movie, The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful Sponge, will be released in 2020.Hillenburg will be remembered by his legion of fans, collaborators, and family–including wife Karen and son Clay–and the legacy of SpongeBob will go ever on.

Featured Image: Nickelodeon

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SpongeBob SquarePants has delighted fans on the small and big screen, but could the latest big screen installment undo the TV show’s established story? Hector investigates on this episode of Animation Investigation![brightcove video_id=”5858912012001″ brightcove_account_id=”3653334524001″ brightcove_player_id=”rJs2ZD8x”]Watch Animation Investigation every Thursday at 9AM PT/12PM ET right here at Nerdist.

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Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and is about to head to the big screen for his third feature film? SpongeBob Squarepants! His next theatrical release will go backwards, to show us how our favorite Krabby Patty line cook met his Bikini Bottom friends as a young sponge. It sounds like it’s going to be absolutely epic, not because it’s going to be an origin story though, and not even because it’s going to be an homage to an iconic Hollywood classic, but because it’s going to be scored by Hans freaking Zimmer.In a story we came across at ScreenCrush, the folks at Cartoon Brew report that at a recent VIEW Conference in Turin, Italy, Paramount’s animation president Mireille Soria announced a 2020 release date for the long rumored third big screen movie for the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon. Titled SpongeBob SquarePants: It’s A Wonderful Sponge, which will be a tribute to the holiday classic It’s A Wonderful Life. Soria said it will explore “the origin of how little SpongeBob met the rest of the Bikini Bottom gang at summer camp” and “the film’s opening will take place at Camp Coral when all of our favorite characters meet for the first time.”Getting to see adorable little SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, and maybe even a younger Squidward would be enough for us, but it will also be the first time both the characters and the settings will be rendered entirely in CG (which has never been done with Bikini Bottom before). Also, just like in The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, some scenes will even include characters who live in the real world.Oh yeah, and Oscar-winning composer (and 11 time nominee) Hans Zimmer will score the movie. He will also lead the film’s musical direction, with contributing “big names” to still be announced.Like we said, this sounds like it’s going to be epic. At the very least it will sound epic.SpongeBob SquarePants: It’s a Wonderful Sponge will come to theaters on the 21st anniversary of the show’s premiere on Nickelodeon, July 17, 2020.What are you most excited for with this movie? It’s story, how it will look, or it’s score? Tell us in the comments below.

Images: Nickelodeon

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There’s an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants (that I’m sure you remember) called “The Great Snail Race,” in which SpongeBob enters Gary into a big race against other snails (or in the case of Patrick’s pet, a rock). It’s a classic gag based on a simple and widely accepted truth: snails are slow, so the thought of them racing would be funny. That said, the World Snail Racing Championship was an actual event that was held in the UK this summer (via Geekologie).

The race went down like this: A group of snails was placed in the middle of a circle, and the first one to reach the edge of the circle 13 inches away won. There were over 200 competitors this year, and in the video above, an unidentified man says of the event’s origins, “Many years ago, an eccentric farmer thought that snail racing would be a funny way to raise money [for the local church], and it has been a remarkable way to raise money. It’s just a fantastic sport.”How fast does a snail travel? A study from a few years ago revealed that snails travel at about one meter per hour, which equals about .0006 miles per hour. At that rate, it would take about 90 seconds for a snail to travel 13 inches and win the race. Interestingly, snails have also been observed to use the already-produced slime trails of other snails to conserve energy, so drafting is apparently a totally viable strategy in snail racing.What animals would you like to see race? Share your thoughts down in the comments.

Featured image: YouTube/Ruptly

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We’ve seen how terrifying hyper-realistic versions of SpongeBob SquarePants characters can look when brought to life with a 3D-printer, but those static figures are downright adorable compared to this talented makeup artist’s lifelike recreation of Bikini Bottom’s grumpiest denizen Squidward.

But while he might not be a sight for sore eyes, he is an impressive one, because she transformed herself solely by using items and makeup she purchased from a drugstore.

Artist and YouTuber Mykie‘s latest video (which we first saw at BuzzFeed) made us green with envy over her impressive skills. Without any high-end FX makeup, but instead with everyday items like a shower cap for Squidward’s head and a condom for his nose, she completely turned herself into SpongeBob’s cranky neighbor.

Okay, definitely can’t un-see that. Not to mention now when we watch SpongeBob we’re definitely going to think about what Squidward’s nose looks like. (Maybe don’t share this new perspective with the kids.) However, this was still incredible to watch, especially because she dramatically upped the difficulty level compared to the last time she turned herself into a character from the show.

You know what? We hope we never meet anyone from Bikini Bottom in person. They might look cute in their own home under the sea, but if there is one thing we’ve learned from talented artists, it’s that when they come ashore they all turn into horrible monsters.

What other animated character would you like to see this makeup artist recreate next? Tell us in our comments section below which cartoon would be your top choice?

Featured Image: Glam&Gore

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When Clancy Brown joined host Rob Paulsen on our Alpha series Talkin’ Toons, we bargained with him to recreate Doctor Strange’s encounter with Dormammu as his Trollhunters character Gunmar. But as much fun as it was to hear him as the Destroyer of Worlds, you don’t have one of the most famous denizens of Bikini Bottom in studio without asking him to give us a taste of his character from SpongeBob SquarePants. And who better to have Mr. Krabs fill in for than another famous TV boss who knows something about managing some unusual employees: The Office‘s Michael Scott!

[brightcove video_id=”5794979551001″ brightcove_account_id=”3653334524001″ brightcove_player_id=”rJs2ZD8x”]In this clip from Brown’s visit to the show, Rob took over for Dunder Mifflin’s recent dental patient Dwight Schrute as one of his favorite characters, Carl Wheezer from Jimmy Neutron, with Mr. Krabs replacing Steve Carell’s regional manager and M&M pusher Michael Scott.

Clancy Brown is a national treasure, both under the sea and above it.

As for this head honcho crossover, there’s no scenario where Mr. Krabs would ever willingly give up even a single bite of candy. Michael’s motives might sometimes be a little mean-spirited, but no prank is good enough for Mr. Krabs to give someone free food.

If you want to watch the rest of Rob’s interview with Clancy, the only place to find full episodes of Talkin’ Toons is at our interactive online Alpha community. It’s only one of our many great shows there, and your first 30 days are free when you sign up for the first time. That’s right it’s free to join! Just don’t tell Mr. Krabs.

What other famous TV boss would you love to hear Mr. Krabs fill-in for? Tell us in the comments below.

Featured Image: Nickelodeon/NBC

More in the world of animation

• Why Thor is the ultimate Disney Princess
• This ’90s cartoon crossover was more ambitious than Infinity War
• Have you seen the trailer for How to Train Your Dragon 3?

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SpongeBob Squarepants may live in a pineapple under the sea, but does that mean Sandy’s treedome can too? Kyle goes diving for answers on this week’s Because Science?

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SpongeBob SquarePants is one of those rare pieces of pop culture gold that has managed to travel far beyond its initial standing as a children’s cartoon, and is beloved (ironically or not) by kids and adults alike. Even if it’s been a while since you’ve seen the show, chances are you can still sing its theme song by heart, recalling all the lyrics about the absorbent and yellow fry cook who lives in a pineapple under the sea.

In fact, SpongeBob‘s firm place in pop culture has led to a wide range of bizarre, clever, and downright creepy fan interpretations and reimagining of the show. In that vein, an animator and YouTuber called Narmak decided to reimagine the show’s theme as if it were an anime. Not only did the opening song get an anime makeover, but the tone of the show and the characters themselves did, too. We saw it first over at i09, and thought the results were nothing short of hilarious. Take a look for yourself:

Narmak gives Bikini Bottom quite the dramatic makeover as an anime, turning SpongeBob and Patrick into grizzled warriors for good (and protectors of the Krabby Pattie Secret Formula, I imagine). Meanwhile, Squidward morphs from an unhappy employee of the Krusty Krab to a vengeful assassin (who looks similar to the Handsome Squidward in the episode where Squiddy gets facial reconstructive surgery) who literally slices Patrick into pieces. #RIPPatrick

The video also does a great job of pulling in some of anime’s most used tropes while still managing to make the title sequence relatable to SpongeBob fans–let’s just take a moment to appreciate the “A R E Y O U F E E L I N G I T M I S T E R K R A B S???” note from Squidward. And though this is contrary to what you usually hear in regards to regular internet survival, the YouTube comments are just as hilarious as the video itself, and keep the “Spongebob is anime” joke going. It’s a delightful internet find, and we wouldn’t judge you at all for watching this video on repeat for a while.

What did you think of the anime title sequence? What other cartoons would you like to see get an anime makeover? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

Feature Image: Narmak/Youtube

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One of the best parts about a show becoming massively successful is seeing all the ways it inspires the many fans it has accrued. The most endearing recent example of that is this fan re-creation of the SpongeBob SquarePants episode “Pizza Delivery,” in which SpongeBob and Squidward attempt to bring the first ever Krusty Krab Pizza to a customer’s doorstep. This version of the episode, however, is live-action, filmed in front of a green screen by some high school kids (via The A.V. Club). It is very bad, and also very good.

The opening 30 seconds are very telling of the kind of production this is: Spongebob is played by a guy wearing a yellow raincoat and a plastic youth-sized construction helmet, while Squidward is portrayed by another kid in a backwards baseball hat, a denim shirt, and multiple pairs of jeans to simulate extra legs. Right from the first line, there’s a major continuity error: Squidward says, “Hurry up with those chairs, SpongeBob. It’s after closing, I’d like to go home.” He says that, AND YET, the background clearly shows an active restaurant full of customers enjoying their food.

We’re being tongue-in-cheek with our criticism, of course, as it appears these guys were while making this video. It doesn’t seem like they bothered trying any scene more then once, they’re often laughing through lines, and it’s just eight minutes of silly fun that’s as enjoyable to watch as we imagine it was to make.

Check out the episode above, and let us know in the comments if you’re like to see these kids ruin/improve another SpongeBob episode.

Featured image: MegaIceTV/YouTube

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SpongeBob SquarePants may be one of the most successful children’s programs of all time, yes, but the show about a fun-loving sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea also has a pretty good relationship with metal music, believe it or not. For instance, Pantera contributed a song to the “Prehibernation Week” episode, while Motörhead was included on the album The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie – Music from the Movie and More….

The metalhead foundation is there, and it’s all led to this: a fan edit by YouTube channel Movie Munchies of SpongeBob performing “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath (via Tastefully Offensive).

You’ve surely heard “War Pigs” an uncountable amount of times by this point, so the real beauty here is in the editing. SpongeBob’s mouth movements sync up pretty much perfectly with Ozzy Osbourne’s vocals, and there are nice touches like Squidward playing clarinet during the guitar fills of the song’s intro, and SpongeBob playing organ and guitar elsewhere. A lot of the 7-minute song is instrumental, so it takes some clever editing to avoid dead air during a song of this length, and Movie Munchies pulls it off smoothly.

Does this measure up to the series’ greatest tunes like “Ripped Pants,” “The F.U.N. Song,” or “Campfire Song”? Perhaps not, no, but it could probably made Squidward’s set for halftime at the Bubble Bowl. What other hilarious and fun SpongeBob SquarePants fan edits have you come across? Share your best ones with us in the comments below.

Featured image: Nickelodeon

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Plankton may have had a tough time getting his hands on the Krabby Patty secret formula on Spongebob Squarepants, but that’s probably because, in addition to coming up with easily-defeatable plans, he’s also a tiny creature not capable of overpowering much. We’re humans, though, so surely we can use our superior brains to figure out what’s in this beloved burger. That’s what YouTube channel Binging with Babish did, and his logic is both sound and potentially disappointing (via Tastefully Offensive).

His thought process is this: Mr. Krabbs’ is famously frugal, so instead of splurging on special or premium ingredients for his burgers, it’s all a clever marketing campaign to hide that fact that there isn’t anything special about them. He says that if there is a special ingredient, it could be King Neptune’s Poseidon powder, which we equates to MSG, so he throws that, and the rest of the Krabby Patty fixins’, between two buns and he winds up with what we’re sure is a pretty tasty burger.

If that doesn’t satisfy you, though, YouTube commenters have some ideas that could make sense in the context of the show while making it darker than any of us realized. A beef patty doesn’t make sense because cows aren’t exactly ocean dwellers, but one commenter suggests that it could be made from whale:

“In real life, a dead whale carcass can sustain an entire fish community for over a decade. The theory says that Krabs came upon a dead whale and took all the meat to be used for the patties (since he’s cheap and it’s free). This is also where he found and decided to raise Pearl. Now the REAL f—ed up part is whether or not Krabs is raising Pearl out of the goodness of his heart… or just waiting for her to grow up to use her as the next source of meat.”

What do you think the Krabby Patty secret is? Is it as simple as Babish suspects, or is Pearl’s fate not an ideal one?

Featured image: Nickelodeon

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It’s Teacher Appreciation Day! Now, unfortunately, we’re not all lucky enough to always wind up with the greatest teachers available…however…we all know that one (or many) teachers from TV, comics, and movies that always seemed brighten our days. Which of those teachers do we wish we had when we were in school? Check out the list below!

Ms. Frizzle – The Magic School Bus

Hop on board her magic school bus that can turn into almost anything imaginable, and get ready for one of the coolest science lessons of your life. Seriously, Ms. Frizzle knows how to make learning fun, sometimes so much so that her students are often put in danger…but hey…without risk there can be no reword. Right? We think the Frizz would have been one of the coolest teachers to have.

Mr. Simmons – Hey Arnold

Hey Arnold’s crew went through a few changes during their series run, but one of the most impactful, emotional episodes (at least for this writer) is when the class tries to “break” Mr. Simmons. Talk about hard to watch…and it’s a kids cartoon. The lesson the show teaches is a pretty simple “respect your elders” story, but what Mr. Simmons taught us is to persevere and to not let things get the best of you. His dedication to his students was one of the subtle highlights of the show.

Professor Keating – Dead Poets Society

Sometimes a teacher opens your mind to something you never realized before. Whether they teach you something new, or expand on an old idea or thought, you come out a better person because of it. Professor Keating is regarded as one of the best teacher portrayals in film history, (RIP Robin Williams). Throughout the film, you simply can’t help but feel like Keating is motivating you, the audience, in addition to his students.

Ms. Honey – Matilda

Ummm…is there a sweeter person on this list? Or any other list for that matter? If having a teacher who cared about you and your experience in school was at the top of your priority list, Ms. Honey is the perfect fit. From her calm-spirited, happy demeanor, to her righteous determination to do what’s best for her students, Ms. Honey proved to us that she would make her students her #1. In Matilda’s case…it resulted in a much stronger, concrete relationship.

Dewey Finn (a.k.a. Ned Schneebly) – School of Rock

We’re hoping music school budgets don’t get cut, because if any music teacher is even remotely as talented as Mr. Schneebly. Dewey came in under a false name, tricked the school and the students, but ultimately…taught what he was most passionate about: music. How can you argue against that?

Mrs. Puff – Spongebob Squarepants

If you were ever the kid who had trouble with tests and getting passing grades…here’s your gal. Mrs. Puff simply doesn’t know the meaning of the word quit. Yes, she puts up with a lot from Spongebob, but her true character shines through her moments of annoyance. She truly wants ALL of her students to succeed, and you can tell that it bothers her that Spongebob has such trouble with her curriculum.

Professor X – X-Men

How many of you have had your teacher buy you a jet and train you to be a superhero? We thought so. With Professor X’s seemingly endless resources and knowledge at his disposal, you can’t help but feel a little bit jealous of the kids at Charles Xavier’s School for the Gifted and Talented. But Professor X’s biggest talent goes beyond wealth and knowledge…it is his guidance. Smarts and money can bring you many things…but happiness is a constant battle. Ultimately, that’s what Professor X does: he makes people happy with their lives.

Mr. Garrison – Southpark

This one is for all the class clowns and the kids who liked to test their teachers’ limits. Mr. Garrison, say what you will, has the resilience and the perseverance of a saint. He is always having to deal with Cartman and the boys’ shenanigans, and yet he still comes into work prepared to do what he loves: teach. After seeing a brief history of what Mr. Garrison has dealt with in his time at South Park, we think you’ll understand.

Mr. Feeny – Boy Meets World

This is perhaps one of the more relatable choices on the list. Why? Because Mr. Feeny was that typical teacher…you know the one. The type of teacher who isn’t afraid to give you the tough love, but who also cares about his students more than he does himself. Mr. Feeny was always a great source of comic relief, not just for witty jokes and corny sitcom humor, but because he told it like it was. Sometimes, hearing the truth can help shape us into better people.

Dumbledore – Harry Potter

Now, this one comes with an asterisk, not only because Dumbledore technically wasn’t a “teacher” for most of the Harry Potter book series, but because ALMOST all of Harry Potter’s teachers could fit on this list. Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, Hagrid, Firenze, Professor Lupin, and Professor Sprout all brought more than just magic to their job. They made learning fun for their students. However, Dumbledore’s care and selflessness are what earned his a spot here on our list. He would do anything to save his students and his school, as is clearly evident in the books.

Those are just a handful of amazing teacher we fell in love with on the big screen, TV, or comics. Who do you think should have made the cut? Let us know in the comments section! And make sure you let a teacher know just how much you appreciate them today!

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