Turn screen time into something fun and a lovely way to enjoy the Irish language with SpongeBob “as Gaeilge”! The Irish language version of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on The Run is available to watch on Netflix – much to parents’ delight.
Spongebob an Scannán: Rith, Spúinse, Rith, created by Macalla Teo with the support of TG4 and Paramount Pictures, was the first Irish language version of a movie to appear on Netflix.
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SpongeBob “As Gaeilge” is Even Better!
SpongeBob SquarePants, his best friend Patrick Star and the rest of the gang from Bikini Bottom star in the first-ever all CGI SpongeBob motion picture event.
After SpongeBob’s beloved pet snail Gary is snail-napped, he and Patrick embark on an epic adventure to The Lost City of Atlantic City to bring Gary home. As they navigate the delights and dangers of this perilous and hilarious rescue mission, SpongeBob and his pals prove there’s nothing stronger than the power of friendship.
The film is voiced in English by Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Keanu Reeves (Sage) and Matt Berry (Poseidon), while well-known Irish actors Marcus Lamb, Lochlainn O’Mearáin, Brian Thunder, Carmel Stephens and TV presenter Daithí Ó Sé took on the roles in the Irish language version.
Daithí Ó Sé, who voices King Poseidon in Irish, said: “King Poseidon is an exuberant character who is somewhat full of himself. Thankfully, not like me at all, so I had to dig deep to act the part! I recorded the character’s voice from home, and my young son was eavesdropping for some of the recording. He’s delighted his Dad has a starring role in the movie!”
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What About Parents?
Making the Irish language accessible and engaging is great for all ages. School children may be used to watching Irish language programmes in class or on TG4, where popular shows – including SpongeBob – are re-voiced in Irish. Many parents, however, may be non-Irish speakers or only have a “cúpla focal” and could use a refresher. If that sounds like you, don’t panic!
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on The Run can be watched “as Gaeilge” with Irish voices and English subtitles to help with translation, or with Irish voices and Irish language subtitles. You can change these settings easily in the Audio and Subtitles menu on Netflix.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is SpongeBob “as Gaeilge” available on Netflix?
Yes, the Irish language version of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on The Run is available on Netflix. As with all Netflix titles, availability can change over time, so it’s worth checking your account to confirm it’s still there.
Can I watch it with subtitles if my Irish is rusty?
Yes. You can choose Irish voices with English subtitles, or Irish voices with Irish subtitles, by changing the Audio and Subtitles settings while watching on Netflix.
Do I need fluent Irish to enjoy this with my kids?
Not at all. The subtitle options make it easy for parents with just a “cúpla focal” to follow along and enjoy the film together with their children.
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