‘SpongeBob’ Gets the Live-Action Treatment for 20th Anniversary

Nickelodeon is celebrating the 20^th birthday of the animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants” by debuting a live-action special based on the show.

Titled “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,” the new special features the voice talent behind SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Sandy, Squidward and Plankton playing live-action doppelgänger versions of the animated characters they voice. The live-action fun sees Patrick and SpongeBob journey to the surface world, where they come across a few familiar characters during the lunchtime rush at The Trusty Slab restaurant.

“The tiny residents of Bikini Bottom have held the world’s attention for a remarkable 20 years, and we owe it all to the monumental creator Stephen Hillenburg,” says Ramsey Naito, executive vice president, animation production and development, Nickelodeon. “This anniversary special is a love letter to everyone in the universe of ‘SpongeBob,’ from the fans across the globe to the incredible creative team, crew and talent who continue to bring these great characters to life.”

The live-action special adds to other anniversary celebrations for “SpongeBob” including a candy bar and cosmetics line launch.