Square Roots: The Story of SpongeBob SquarePants (2009)

Stephen Hillenburg is portrayed as the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, and the documentary highlights his journey from a marine biology background to becoming a successful animator. His passion for the ocean and storytelling is emphasized, showcasing how he infused his love for marine life into the characters and the underwater world of Bikini Bottom.

The documentary details SpongeBob's evolution from a simple character design to a fully fleshed-out personality. It explores how his optimistic and naive nature was crafted to appeal to both children and adults, and how his iconic laugh and catchphrases were developed to enhance his charm and relatability.

The film discusses various challenges, including initial skepticism from networks about the show's unique animation style and humor. It also covers the struggle to balance creative vision with commercial viability, as well as the pressure to maintain quality and originality over the years.

The documentary highlights key voice actors like Tom Kenny, who voices SpongeBob, and how their performances brought the characters to life. It emphasizes the emotional depth and comedic timing they contributed, which became integral to the show's success and the audience's connection to the characters.

The film examines SpongeBob's impact on popular culture, showcasing how the character became a global icon. It discusses merchandise, spin-offs, and references in other media, illustrating how SpongeBob transcended his original format to become a significant part of contemporary culture.