Why The ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Movie Isn't Available In The US

Netflix has made the new SpongeBob movie “Sponge on the Run” available in foreign markets, but it won't be available until early 2021 in the U.S., where it will be available on CBS All Access.

ViacomCBS owns both Nickelodeon and CBS All Access, which means they own the rights to SpongeBob. There are no plans to have "Sponge on the Run" available on Netflix in the U.S.

“We are thrilled to have ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run,’ a premier, first-run movie from one of ViacomCBS’ biggest brands, join CBS All Access’ expanding slate of franchise content from across ViacomCBS,” Marc DeBevoise, president and CEO of ViacomCBS Digital, told Variety.

“This launch will be perfectly timed with our continued expansion and planned rebranding of the service in early 2021, as we welcome SpongeBob and the gang from Bikini Bottom to the service in the biggest way possible.”

“Sponge on the Run” was set to be released in theaters on May 22 but was postponed until Aug. 7 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Sponge on the Run" premiered Thursday in the U.K. on Netflix.

"SpongeBob SquarePants" is a television series that has aired for 13 seasons with 264 episodes. In 2018, it won an Emmy for "Outstanding Children's Animated Series."

The latest SpongeBob movie cast is packed with some big names. Tom Kenny returns as the voice of SpongeBob and Gary. In addition, Bill Fagerbakke is playing Patrick, Rodger Bumpass is playing Squidward, and Clancy Brown is playing Mr. Crabs. The cast also includes Awkwafina, Matt Berry, Keanu Reeves, Snoop Dogg, Danny Trejo, Tiffany Haddish and Reggie Watts.