Plankton: The Movie 2025

Movie · 84 min · English · March 7, 2025

Directed by Dave NeedhamWritten by Mr. Lawrence, Kaz, Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi

Starring Mr. Lawrence, Jill Talley, Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass

Plankton: The Movie represents a 2025 American animated musical comedy production directed by Dave Needham and penned by Kaz, Chris Viscardi, and Mr. Lawrence. Adapted from the television series SpongeBob SquarePants, which originated from Stephen Hillenburg's creation, the movie features the standard voice actors from the show. The storyline centers on Plankton, whose schemes for global control are interrupted when his digital spouse, Karen, assumes command. This release constitutes the second installment in a line of SpongeBob character-focused films for Netflix, succeeding Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie from 2024.

The project initially began as a half-hour television special under Lawrence's vision but later evolved into a full-length production. In March 2020, ViacomCBS declared its intention to create SpongeBob spin-off movies for streaming platforms. During June 2024, a standalone film highlighting Plankton as the central figure was revealed, including its directing and writing team. Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper created the musical soundtrack, while Bret McKenzie, Linda Perry, Mark Mothersbaugh, and Bob Mothersbaugh authored original songs.

Before its official launch, the complete movie appeared online in August 2024 through an unauthorized upload. Plankton: The Movie officially premiered on Netflix within the March 7, 2025 timeframe. Its opening weekend garnered 14.3 million views, positioning it as the top English-language film on the streaming service's chart for that week, and it received largely favorable reviews from critics.