“Plankton: The Movie” is the latest addition to the “SpongeBob” franchise, bringing a fresh and unexpected perspective to one of its most memorable characters. Streaming on Netflix, the film shifts focus from Bikini Bottom’s usual antics to a deeper look at Plankton and his AI wife, Karen.
What starts as a quest for world domination quickly turns into an exploration of their relationship, making for a surprisingly heartfelt and humorous story.
A New Side of Plankton and Karen
The plot takes a turn when Plankton removes Karen’s emotions chip, believing it will help her develop a more efficient strategy for global takeover. However, Karen’s newfound power spirals beyond Plankton’s control, forcing him and “SpongeBob” to travel back in time to uncover how she was originally created.
Voice actors Mr. Lawrence (Plankton) and Jill Talley (Karen) have voiced their characters for years, but this movie gave them an opportunity to expand their roles in ways that were previously unexplored.
“This film allows us to go deeper than the short episodes ever could,” Lawrence shared. “There are moments that really tug at the heartstrings.”
From a Simple Idea to a Full-Length Feature
The concept for “Plankton: The Movie” began as an idea for a TV special, but when the opportunity arose to create a “SpongeBob” spinoff, it evolved into a full-length film.
“We asked ourselves, ‘What hasn’t been done yet?’” Lawrence explained. “Karen taking charge in a way we’ve never seen before felt like the perfect direction.”
Talley particularly enjoyed how Plankton’s plans backfire.
“The funniest part about Plankton is that he built his own wife, but she refuses to just agree with everything he says,” she said. “She has a mind of her own and isn’t afraid to put him in his place.”
A Chance to Explore New Sides of Karen
Karen’s character development takes center stage when her emotions chip is removed. This shift provided Talley with new creative opportunities.
“Getting to explore Karen’s darker side was so much fun,” she said. “Who wouldn’t love playing a more villainous version of their character?”
Since the film involves time travel, Karen’s voice goes through several changes as different versions of her interact. Managing this aspect of the performance was a challenge, but with the guidance of “SpongeBob” voice actor and director Tom Kenny, Talley successfully differentiated each version.
“There were moments where I’d accidentally respond in the wrong voice,” she recalled. “So we worked out a system to keep everything organized.”
Musical Challenges and High Stakes
“Plankton: The Movie” features original songs written by renowned musicians, including Bret McKenzie, Linda Perry, and Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh of Devo. One of Karen’s key moments involves singing in her usual robotic monotone, which added an extra challenge for Talley.
“I was so nervous—I almost cried,” she admitted. “But once it was done, I couldn’t believe I had actually pulled it off.”
Despite their years of experience, both Talley and Lawrence found themselves anxious about recording in front of such accomplished musicians.
“I just kept thinking, ‘I hope they like this,’” Lawrence said.
The Unexpected Legacy of Karen’s Name
Interestingly, Karen’s name has taken on a different cultural meaning since the show first aired. Originally, “SpongeBob” creator Stephen Hillenburg named the character after his wife. However, in recent years, the name has been widely used as slang for entitled or overly demanding individuals.
“That definitely wasn’t the plan,” Lawrence noted. “It’s funny how things like that happen.”
Talley initially assumed the trend would fade, but it has persisted.
“I thought it would be a passing joke,” she said. “But it stuck around.”
A Must-Watch for “SpongeBob” Fans
“Plankton: The Movie” delivers humor, action, and unexpected emotional depth, making it a must-watch for fans of the “SpongeBob” universe. By expanding on Plankton and Karen’s relationship, the film offers a fresh and entertaining twist that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.
With standout performances, a compelling storyline, and memorable musical moments, this latest installment proves that even the smallest characters can have the biggest stories to tell.