During the Nickelodeon panel at SDCC last week, Mark Hamill was introduced as a surprise guest and was revealed to be voicing the fan-favorite character The Flying Dutchman in the upcoming theatrical film The SpongeBob Movie: The Search for SquarePants.
SpongeBob is in the midst of celebrating his 25th anniversary in 2024, and the Comic Con panel featured voice actors Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs) and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton) as they staged a live table read of the series pilot “Help Wanted.”
When talk turned to the new film, however, Hamill was introduced, stealing the show with news of his participation. He explained his excitement about voicing the character:
“He’s the most fearsome goofball pirate you’ve ever seen. The movie is more cerebral. It’s more thoughtful, intellectually challenging. No, I’m just yanking your chain. It’s inspired silliness from start to finish.”
The Flying Dutchman is a psychotic ghost pirate who first appeared in an episode of the series’ first season in 1999. He holds a particular grudge against SpongeBob, whose ridiculous homemade Flying Dutchman Halloween costume insulted him.
The SpongeBob Movie: The Search for SquarePants, the fourth film in the franchise, will arrive in cinemas on December 19th, 2025.
