SpongeBob is heading to Irish cinemas with an as Gaeilge version of his new film to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge.
Paramount Pictures Ireland, in association with TG4 and Cúla4, has announced that The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants will be available through Irish in participating cinemas this March, under the title SpongeBob an Scannán: Cá bhfuil SquarePants?
Based on the long-running Nickelodeon series, the film follows SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends as they set sail on a new adventure. Determined to prove himself, SpongeBob follows the Flying Dutchman, a ghost pirate, on a seafaring mission that takes him deep into the ocean.
The film has grossed more than $140 million globally and features a cast including Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence, George Lopez, Isis "Ice Spice" Gaston, Arturo Castro, Sherry Cola, with Regina Hall and Mark Hamill.
The Irish-language dubbing has been completed in Dublin by Macalla Teoranta, the team behind the Irish-language version of SpongeBob SquarePants broadcast on TG4 and Cúla4.
Karina Feirtéar, Cúla4 channel manager, said TG4 and Cúla4 have been the Irish home of SpongeBob for more than 25 years, adding that many viewers in Ireland now associate the character with the Irish language.
Niamh McCaul, general manager of Paramount Pictures in Ireland, said the company was "delighted" to work with TG4 on releasing the film in Irish and hoped audiences would support the initiative.
SpongeBob an Scannán: Cá bhfuil SquarePants? will run in participating cinemas from 1 March to 17 March. The film is rated G.
