Nearly three years after dropping her “Bikini Bottom” single, Ice Spice is officially joining the world of SpongeBob SquarePants. The rapper makes her voice-acting debut in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, arriving in theaters on Dec. 19 through Paramount Pictures.
Billboard shared a first look at her animated character on Monday (Nov. 17). The design includes Ice Spice’s recognizable orange curls, and in the clip she delivers the line, “Don’t make me call security,” in her Bronx accent.
A lifelong fan of the Nickelodeon series, the 25-year-old said she feels like she “manifested” the role. In a featurette for the Derek Drymon-directed sequel, she called the experience a new challenge but said it was “really fun” and unlike anything she has done before.
Ice Spice joins a cast that includes Regina Hall, Sherry Cola, Arturo Castro and George Lopez. She also recorded an original track for the movie’s soundtrack, teaming with producer RIOTUSA for the kid-friendly single “Big Guy,” released last week.
“Being part of the SpongeBob soundtrack is such a full-circle moment for me,” she said. “It’s crazy to see my music in a movie that’s been part of so many people’s childhoods, including mine.”
The film adds to Ice Spice’s growing presence in acting. Earlier this year, she made her on-screen debut in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, starring alongside Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky.
Watch the Ice Spice SpongeBob Movie featurette below.
