SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS
"The End"
written by
Matt Burns
FIRST DRAFT
05/03/2012
ACT ONE
EXT./ESTAB. SPONGEBOB’S HOUSE - DAY
INT. SPONGEBOB’S BEDROOM - SAME
An alarm clock BLARES and SPONGEBOB launches out of bed, slamming into the ceiling.
As he floats to the ground, he sings:
SPONGEBOB
I’m ready! I’m ready!
He glides onto the floor next to GARY, who is chewing on a turkey leg.
SPONGEBOB (CONT’D)
I’m re-- Gary! How rude! Eating a big
turkey leg on the morning of the
Krabby Patty Eating Challenge? You
know I’ve been fasting all week and
I’m starving!
GARY
Meow.
Gary continues chewing and Spongebob lays on the ground next to him, ferociously licking his lips.
SPONGEBOB
So... hungry... So... empty of food...
So... light...
A golden wave of delicious scent crawls in through the open window, slides beneath Spongebob, and lifts him into the air.
Spongebob sniffs in a lung-full of the smell, sucking the wave into his nose with all his power. As he sucks the wave inside, it disappears and he crashes onto the floor.
SPONGEBOB (CONT’D)
What in Bikini Bottom is this heavenly
smell?
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 1.
Another wave creeps in the window. Spongebob sniffs it and his eyes bulge out of their sockets.
SPONGEBOB (CONT’D)
So... tempting...
Spongebob hops onto it, hugging it, and shimmies on it out his window, sucking in deep sniffs and licking it wildly.
EXT. SPONGEBOB’S HOUSE - DAY
Spongebob licks his way across the wave into Squidward’s window.
INT. SQUIDWARD’S KITCHEN - DAY
SQUIDWARD sings to himself as he cooks french toast and crepes.
SQUIDWARD
One final meal/One last perfect
meal/All alone/No Spongebob in
sight...
Spongebob crawls into the frame and sucks the last of the wave into his nose. He crashes into Squidward’s french toast pan. Spongebob screams as his backside sizzles and clutches Squidward’s face, revealing his singed behind.
Squidward screams and throws his spatula against the wall as he shakes wildly to throw Spongebob onto the ground.
SQUIDWARD (CONT’D)
Spongebob! What are you doing up this
early? Souldn’t you be dreaming about
spatulas?
SPONGEBOB
No, silly! Today’s the Krabby Patty
Eating Challenge and I’ve been
training my stomach all week. Won’t
you be there to cook up the patties?
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 2.
SQUIDWARD
What a tempting offer. Sure, I’d love
to spend my final day grilling up
hundreds of Krabby Patties for you and
your pink friend.
Spongebob dances on his tip-toes and his eyes light up.
SPONGEBOB
Perfect! (Whispering) Can I have one
with... extra toe-may-toes?
SQUIDWARD
No! I’m not going in today. And I
still don’t know why you’re in my
house.
SPONGEBOB
I’m so hungry that I had to follow the
smell of your scrumptious baking.
INSERT: Inside Spongebob’s torso we see his stomach is deflated like a balloon.
SQUIDWARD
Oh. Well, I guess you can stay if
you’re here to appreciate my culinary
abilities.
Spongebob bats his lashes at Squidward and slides next to the french toast.
SPONGEBOB
What are you making? Special occasion?
SQUIDWARD
You wouldn’t understand. It’s just
some breakfast. Regular breakfast.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 3.
SPONGEBOB
But it smells so special. Come on,
Squidward. Let me in on the secret.
Please? A little gift for Mrs.
Squidward?
SQUIDWARD
No.
SPONGEBOB(motioning to the cover girl on Squidward’s magazine)
Something special for Lady Clarinet?
SQUIDWARD
No.
SPONGEBOB
A treat for me, your bestest friend?
SQUIDWARD
No! Fine, if it will shut you up.
Squidward opens a newspaper and begins reading.
SQUIDWARD (CONT’D)
Spongebob Squarepants, Nickelodeon’s
smash-hit show that ran for over a
decade has been put out to dry.
SPONGEBOB
So... We get to be raisins?
SQUIDWARD
No! We’re cancelled!
SPONGEBOB
Cancelled?
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 4.
SQUIDWARD
Don’t you get it? We’re through! The
network is ending us, pronto! We’re
over, okay? Done-zo, kaput, out to
pasture. We’re has-been drawings in a
computer-generated world.
Spongebob hesitates, then bursts into laughter.
SPONGEBOB
Don’t be silly, Squidward! We can’t
just end!
SQUIDWARD
Fine, fine! You’re so right. We’ll
just go on forever. Delude yourself
all you want. But know that all things
must end, Spongebob, so please let me
just enjoy this final meal.
SPONGEBOB
There’s still more jellyfish to catch!
Krabby Patties to flip! I still need
my boating license!
Squidward sits and leans over his french toast.
SQUIDWARD
It’s over. The merchandise sales have
nose-dived and we’ve shot ourselves in
the foot with online streaming.
Remember Tommy? Arnold? Their horrible
stories of the White Light sometimes
keep me awake all night.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 5.
Squidward notices Spongebob is missing.
SQUIDWARD (CONT’D)
Spongebob? Spongebob? Oh no! Did it
happen all ready? Is this it? Is this
the final resting place--
Spongebob pops out of Squidward’s toaster.
SPONGEBOB
I’m so hungry I’m about to eat my own
toast! Just two hours until the
contest!
SQUIDWARD(shaking Spongebob)
You don’t get it, do you? This is it!
Today’s our last day!
Spongebob chews on his side and moans with pleasure.
Squidward throws down his fork and knife.
SQUIDWARD (CONT’D)
Follow me.
EXT. SPONGEBOB’S STREET - DAY
Squidward and Spongebob get into Squidward’s car. Squidward drives very quickly.
SPONGEBOB
Don’t take me toward any food! I can’t
take it!
Spongebob offers Squidward a handful of yellow crumbs.
SPONGEBOB (CONT’D)
Toasted Spongebob?
As Squidward and Spongebob approach distant houses, the houses become larger and reveal a poorly-drawn, sketchy quality. The background becomes pixelated.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 6.
SQUIDWARD
See?! The artists aren’t putting in
the work anymore! They don’t care!
It’s so rough out here! We’re done!
Spongebob gets out of the car and runs his hand along the roughly-drawn house. He pulls it back like he got stung.
SPONGEBOB
Ouch. That is rough.
Squidward nods.
SQUIDWARD
They’ve moved on, Spongebob.
Spongebob nods and gets in the car.
They drive back silently.
INT. SQUIDWARD’S KITCHEN - DAY
Spongebob and Squidward enter, their heads hung low.
SQUIDWARD
I just want a calm, quiet day. We can
relax and I can finally eat my french--
PATRICK kicks down Squidward’s front door, which smashes his kitchen table and ruins his french toast. Patrick is munching on an ear of corn.
PATRICK
Spongebob! Time to chow down!
SQUIDWARD
My breakfast! And why are you looking
for Spongebob in my house?
Patrick looks around, spots Spongebob, and chuckles.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 7.
PATRICK
Oh, uh... Well, I found him! Come on,
buddy, let’s eat!
SPONGEBOB
Patrick, there’s something I have to
tell you. It’s pretty serious.
PATRICK
Tell me after the contest! I listen
better when I’ve got about a hundred
Krabby Patties in me.
SPONGEBOB
No, listen, we don’t have much time
left--
PATRICK
Until the contest!
Patrick snaps and a motorcycle cruises up next to him.
He tucks Spongebob under his arm and zooms away.
PATRICK (CONT’D)
To the Krusty Krab!
As Spongebob glides away, he stares back at Squidward. They lock eyes and share a melancholy gaze.
INT. KRUSTY KRAB - DAY
It’s packed to the brim with spectators - Sandy, Mrs. Puff, Pearl, the Flying Dutchman, Mermaid Man, Barnacle Boy, Plankton - everyone from Bikini Bottom is there.
At the front of the restaurant is a stage covered in a large banner - FIRST ANNUAL KRABBY PATTY EATING CHALLENGE - where LARRY THE LOBSTER sits behind a table wearing a bib and doing sit-ups.
MR. KRABS hawks merchandise from a booth to anxious fans.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 8.
MR. KRABS
Get yer t-shirts yere! Get yer t-
shirts, mugs, koozies, and night-
lights! Get yer official Krusty Krab
envelopes for sending money directly
to the Krusty Krab!
The crowd becomes unruly, pushing and shoving. SANDY stands on top of the crowd.
SANDY
When’s this rodeo fixin’ to start?
I’ve got another rodeo to be at!
Patrick’s motorcycle crashes through the ceiling. He and Spongebob land in their seats on the stage.
LARRY
Good afternoon, losers.
Patrick salivates wildly. Spongebob sits motionless, in a serious daze.
MR. KRABS
The competition begins now!
Mr. Krabs pulls a rope and piles of Krabby Patties fall from the ceiling onto the table. The crowd goes wild.
Larry and Patrick attack the burgers, funneling them into their mouths by the dozen. Larry bounces some off his biceps and kicks some into his mouth with his toned legs. Patrick uses a shovel to scoop them in. Larry flips some into his mouth with his pecs. Patrick operates himself like a vacuum cleaner, guiding his body with his arm to suck up the Patties.
Spongebob holds a Patty to his lips, but he can’t bring himself to bite it.
The crowd cheers.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 9.
SANDY
Come on, Spongebob! Attack them
patties!
PEARL
Ooh! They’re getting so full! I’m
nervous! I’m jealous!
MR. KRABS
Yes, yes, yes! I can’t wait to write
them their bills for this meal!
INSERT: Mr. Krabs envisions each Patty as a dollar sign going into each contestant’s mouth.
MR. KRABS (CONT’D)
Hey, Spongebob, eat more dollars! I
mean, Patties!
Squidward enters and calmly walks to the side of the crowd. He looks to Spongebob.
SQUIDWARD
Have fun, buddy. Just have fun today.
Spongebob sets his Patty down as Patrick and Larry turn green. They hover with nausea.
PATRICK
Just... two... hundred... more...
Patrick takes one more bite and collapses, face-down, onto the table.
The crowd explodes into chaos.
FISH 1
Larry wins!
FLYING DUTCHMAN
No, Patrick ate more Patties!
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 10.
FISH 1
But he’s knocked out!
The crowd erupts into a brawl, with two sides forming. Some people hoist up banners proclaiming their side pro-Patrick or Pro-Larry.
Mr. Krabs takes the stage.
MR. KRABS
Hold yer horses, hold yer horses.
There’s a simple solution here and
that’s to have a second Eating
Challenge next week, sudden death,
where tickets will be double the
price. Sound good? Great to me!
MERMAID MAIN
What a rip!
BARNACLE BOY
You’re the worst villain of all,
Krabs!
FISH 1
But Larry won!
FISH 2
Patrick won!
The crowd again breaks out into a dust-filled brawl.
Spongebob stands and shakes Patrick’s still body.
SPONGEBOB
Patrick?
Patrick moans and lies face-down.
Spongebob takes the microphone from Mr. Krabs.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 11.
SPONGEBOB (CONT’D)
Excuse me? Can I have your attention?
FISH 1
What do you want, light-weight?
FISH 2
You didn’t even have one crumb!
SPONGEBOB
Listen, everyone, please calm down.
Please stop fighting. Sir, put down
your antique rocking chair.
A man bashfully lowers his chair, on which his grandmother sits, swatting her cane.
GRANDMOTHER
Why’s it so loud in here?
SPONGEBOB
This eating contest was fun, but it’s
not all that matters in life.
FISH 3
Hey, we didn’t pay for a speech!
SPONGEBOB
There’s a reason I couldn’t eat
anything during the challenge, and
it’s why there’s no time for a re-
match. My neighbor-- No, my friend
Squidward told me this morning that
we, all of us, are being cancelled.
The crowd gasps.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 12.
SANDY
Don’t worry! Things like this blow
over all the time in Texas! Like a
mean prairie wind!
SPONGEBOB
No. It’s true. The houses in the
distance and our backgrounds are
rougher than ever. Have you noticed
yourself just going through the
motions? You haven’t done anything new
in years? Food just doesn’t taste as
good as it used to?
LARRY
The Patties were somewhat bland...
INSERT: Inside Larry’s stomach, mountains of Krabby Patties fester. Their color is washed out and pale. Stinky fumes hover around them.
LARRY (CONT’D)
Perhaps I didn’t need to eat nine
hundred of them.
SANDY
My pecan pies have been kinda bland...
Some days I don’t even know why I make
them.
SPONGEBOB
Friends, we have to savor these final
moments. Do not fight each other. Do
not argue. Have fun and share your
love.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 13.
(MORE)
From now until tonight, when the White
Light will take us, at least we have
each other.
Spongebob puts the microphone down and shakes Patrick, but he still won’t wake up.
Mr. Krabs takes the microphone. The crowd whispers concerned murmurs.
MR. KRABS
Thank you all for coming today. Thank
you all for coming to the Krusty Krab
so many times over the years. And as
always, end-of-series souvenirs and
White Light protective helmets are on
sale at the merchandise booth.
Squidward walks onto the stage and helps Spongebob shake Patrick, but they can’t get him to wake up.
The crowd exits the Krusty Krab, some crying, others dazed.
FISH 1
I’ve never been to the surface.
FISH 2
I’ve never even been to Jellyfish
Fields.
INT. TREEDOME - DAY
Sandy enters, alone, and walks into her closet.
SANDY
I’ve spent so much time in this space
suit, I’ve hardly gotten to wear my
cute outfits.
MONTAGE:
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 14.
SPONGEBOB (CONT'D)
Sandy tries on dresses, skirts, and fancy blouses. She smiles at herself in the mirror and a tear comes out of her eye.
SANDY (CONT’D)
Mama always said I’d look prettier in
a gown.
END MONTAGE.
EXT. GOO LAGOON - DAY
Larry runs through an empty beach with his surfboard.
A lone lifeguard shouts at him.
LIFEGUARD
No one’s here, Larry! You can’t show
off!
Larry dives in and paddles out. He rides a big wave.
LARRY
For once, pal, this one’s for me.
INT. KRUSTY KRAB - DAY
MONTAGE:
Spongebob, in a karate outfit, karate-chops Patrick.
He jumps up and down on him, springing like Patrick is a trampoline.
He is dressed as a hair-metal rock star and plays a hot guitar solo and screams at Patrick.
He blows a leaf-blower in Patrick’s face. Patrick does not move.
END MONTAGE.
SPONGEBOB
Bring in the big guns.
Squidward opens his clarinet case and plays a noisy solo, but Patrick won’t wake up.
MRS. PUFF approaches the stage, crying. She holds out a boating license.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 15.
MRS. PUFF
Spongebob, I want you to have this. I
kept it from you for too long.
Spongebob smiles and reaches for it, but then he pushes her hand away.
SPONGEBOB
I don’t deserve this, Mrs. Puff. Maybe
we’ll come back for a new series and
I’ll earn it.
Mrs. Puff smiles, choking back tears.
MRS. PUFF
Yes, I will go ahead and enroll you.
Mrs. Puff walks off, crying.
Spongebob looks to Squidward.
SPONGEBOB
Could we, Squidward? Come back for a
new series?
Squidward shakes his head.
SQUIDWARD
It wouldn’t be the same. It wouldn’t
be us.
INT. SHADY SHOALS REST HOME - DAY
MERMAID MAN and BARNACLE BOY stretch and pull on their gloves.
MERMAID MAN
We’ll defeat the White Light! It’s no
match for us!
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 16.
BARNACLE BOY
And we’re finally going to get that
sinister--
Barnacle Boy swings open the door, revealing MAN-RAY standing there, holding a bowl of popcorn.
BARNACLE BOY (CONT’D)
Man-Ray?
MAN-RAY
The Sinister Slug episode is on TV. Do
you guy want to just, you know, watch
it?
Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy look to each other and shrug.
MERMAID MAIN
Pass the popcorn, pal.
INT. KRUSTY KRAB KITCHEN - DAY
PLANKTON pokes out from beneath a bucket and sees Mr. Krabs standing by the stove, flipping patties.
MR. KRABS
It’s been so long since I’ve cooked
these. I can barely remember the
recipe.
PLANKTON
But you... do remember it?
MR. KRABS
Of course. You know what? Oh, come
here. It’s a blend of chili powder--
PLANKTON
Stop! No! I can’t.
Karen’s voice blares over Plankton’s walkie-talkie.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 17.
KAREN (V.O.)
What is it, dear? What happened?
You’re so close!
PLANKTON
Forget the recipe, sweetheart. I’m
coming home. I just want to eat your
cooking tonight.
INT. HALLOWEEN COSTUME STORE - DAY
Two YOUNG FISH model Flying Dutchman costumes.
The FLYING DUTCHMAN appears from beneath a dressing room stall.
YOUNG FISH 1
Aahhh!
YOUNG FISH 2
Don’t hurt us! We’re sorry! We know
you hate it when kids dress up as you.
The Flying Dutchman chuckles to himself.
FLYING DUTCHMAN
It’s okay today, kids.
He puts his hat on Young Fish 1’s head.
FLYING DUTCHMAN (CONT’D)
Now that’ll scare ‘em. Just promise me
you’ll have fun today.
He floats away as the kids shriek with excitement.
INT. PATCHY THE PIRATE’S HOUSE - DAY
PATCHY THE PIRATE sits on his couch, alone, curled into a ball, rocking back and forth.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 18.
INT. KRUSTY KRAB - DAY
Spongebob drills a jackhammer into Patrick’s back, but he still sleeps. Spongebob tosses the jackhammer into a pile of items: alarm clocks, drills, bombs, firecrackers, jet engines, guitar amplifiers, etc.
SQUIDWARD
We don’t have much time.
SPONGEBOB
I just want him to be there.
Squidward slides his shoulders under Patrick’s arms. Spongebob picks up his legs and they walk outside.
EXT. JELLYFISH FIELDS - DAY
Spongebob and Squidward enter the fields, carrying Patrick.
Everyone else is already here - camped out on blankets overlooking the pristine fields for a perfect view of the impending White Light.
The crowd notices Spongebob and begins to chant.
CROWD
Speech! Speech! Speech!
Larry hoists Spongebob onto his shoulders.
SPONGEBOB
Oh, um... I wasn’t really planning on
giving so many speeches today. But the
time has come for us, gang. I hope you
all have spent today with your loved
ones. I want to thank you all for
being my best friends in the whole
world - Sandy, I wouldn’t know a
karate chop from a cow pie without
you. Mr. Krabs, you’re the best boss a
sponge could have.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 19.
(MORE)
And Squidward, even when your clarinet
was shattering my windows, I was
always happy to know you were right
there, next door. I only have one last
wish. Will you all gather in a circle
to give my friend Patrick a hug? He’s
knocked out from all those Patties,
but I know if we join together he’ll
be able to feel the love.
Everyone huddles around Patrick’s snoring body and wraps in a giant group-hug.
Patrick’s eyes start to wobble, then they open.
PATRICK
Huh? Is this burger heaven?
Spongebob hops off Larry’s shoulders and runs to Patrick.
SPONGEBOB
Buddy! You’re back!
PATRICK
Uh... duh! What’s going on here?
Squidward motions for the crowd to give them some space.
SPONGEBOB
Basically we’re all gathered here
because we’re about to enter... Burger
Heaven, all together.
PATRICK
Burger Heaven? I can chow down like
this every day?
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 20.
SPONGEBOB (CONT'D)
SPONGEBOB
Absolutely. It’s like... This white
light will come... And... I... I
actually don’t know what it will be
like.
PATRICK
We got cancelled.
SPONGEBOB
What?
PATRICK
I know, Spongebob. I’ve known for
weeks. The White Light comes tonight.
SPONGEBOB
But you acted so...
PATRICK
Dumb? I didn’t want to worry you, pal.
Everything’s so much more fun when
we’re just acting stupid. Where’s the
fun in being so serious?
Spongebob wipes a tear from his eye.
SPONGEBOB
You always had my back.
PATRICK(loudly)
Had your back? What would I do with
your back, Spongebob? Clean a dish?
The crowd laughs.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 21.
FISH 1
Patrick’s back!
Patrick winks to Spongebob.
They both stand, next to Squidward, Sandy, Mr. Krabs, Plankton, Karen, Pearl, Spongebob’s parents, Squidward and Patrick’s families, Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy. Gary crawls into Spongebob’s hand.
SPONGEBOB
What do you think about one last song?
The crowd mumbles agreement.
SPONGEBOB (CONT’D)
I said, are you ready, friends?
CROWD
Aye aye, Spongebob.
Spongebob climbs to the top of a tree.
SPONGEBOB
I can’t hear you!
CROWD
Aye aye, Spongebob!
Spongebob dives onto the crowd’s shoulders and they parade him around as he leads them in song. Spongebob dances like a maniac on the shoulders of everyone he knows and loves.
SPONGEBOB
Oh, what’s the best town in the entire
sea?
CROWD
Bikini Bottom!
SPONGEBOB
Where the Krusty Krab serves you and
me?
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 22.
CROWD
Bikini Bottom!
SPONGEBOB
Is full of goobers and fun songs to
sing?
CROWD
Bikini Bottom!
SPONGEBOB
Where everyone’s friends except for
jellyfish who sting!
CROWD
Bikini Bottom!
A jellyfish floats to Spongebob and gives him an apprehensive look.
SPONGEBOB
Oh, you’re okay.
The jellyfish hugs Spongebob.
SPONGEBOB (CONT’D)
Come on, friends! Bikini Bottom!
CROWD
Bikini Bottom!
SPONGEBOB
Bikini Bottom!
CROWD
Bikini Bottom!
SPONGEBOB
It’s the only home for you and me.
As the song ends, the crowd cheers and lowers Spongebob back to his starting place. He wipes a tear from his eye.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 23.
SPONGEBOB (CONT’D)
I’m going to miss this place.
MR. KRABS
Thank you, Spongebob, for being so
darn joyful. Even when you were
wreakin’ havoc, you always brought fun
into our lives.
They stare out into the fields as a gentle white haze begins to creep over the horizon.
SANDY
It’s gettin’ cold. Real cold.
Mr. Krabs slides a metal trash can in front of the group and empties his wallet into it. Mounds of cash spill out. He lights a match and drops it in. Everyone huddles around the warmth.
The white light crawls over the sky, covering the buildings and washing out the background colors. Everyone holds hands.
Squidward takes a breath, pulls out his clarinet, and begins playing a slow, melancholy take on the “Spongebob Theme.”
Patrick puts his arm around Spongebob’s shoulder.
PATRICK
We had a good run, buddy.
Spongebob takes a deep breath as the white light engulfs Bikini Bottom.
SPONGEBOB
I’m ready. I’m ready.
FADE OUT.
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS "The End" 24.