Mark Hamill is set to voice a beloved character in the upcoming film The SpongeBob Movie: The Search for SquarePants, suggesting a shift from one of his most celebrated roles. Widely recognized for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars saga, Hamill has expanded his career significantly, becoming a leading figure in the realm of voice acting. His involvement in this SpongeBob project marks a notable milestone in his diverse portfolio.
The SpongeBob Movie: The Search for SquarePants will be the fourth feature film based on Nickelodeon’s iconic animated series, following the 2020 release of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run. This new installment follows SpongeBob as he embarks on an adventurous journey to the underworld, where he will encounter one of the franchise’s most notorious villains.
Hamill Takes on a New Role in the SpongeBob Universe
During the Paramount panel at CinemaCon 2025, it was revealed that Mark Hamill would voice the Flying Dutchman, a role previously held by Brian Doyle-Murray. Hamill shared his thoughts on the character, stating:
“I actually did an episode of SpongeBob in the fifth season, and I did such a great job they asked me back 18 years later…And if I do my job correctly, every child in America will hate my guts.”
This marks not the first occasion where Hamill has taken over an iconic animated role, as he previously lent his voice to the Joker in the acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series. Although he has stepped back from the character, Hamill remains a significant figure across various Batman media, bringing his unique interpretation to this legendary role.
The Challenge of the Flying Dutchman: A Similarity to Voicing the Joker
Balancing Legacy and Originality
Taking on the role of the Flying Dutchman presents Mark Hamill with challenges similar to those he faced when voicing the Joker. In both instances, he must find a way to make the character uniquely his own while being mindful of the legacy left by the original actors. With the Flying Dutchman, he inherits a character deeply rooted in animation history, previously brought to life by Brian Doyle-Murray.
Just as he successfully navigated the complexities of portraying the Joker, a character with a storied legacy including actors like Jack Nicholson and César Romero, Hamill is poised to bring his talent to the Flying Dutchman. If history is any indicator, audiences can expect another extraordinary performance in The SpongeBob Movie: The Search for SquarePants.