LEGO SpongeBob's minifigures are getting a makeover

The new LEGO Icons SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom set includes three new minifigures, demonstrating just how much can change over 20 years.

We apologise for making you feel old, but the LEGO Group's SpongeBob SquarePants sets first started 20 years ago. 11386 SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom is being released two decades after the original Conch Street set, and as such, the minifigures have undergone a dramatic makeover.

Here's a look at how the new LEGO SpongeBob SquarePants minifigures compare to their original counterparts, and any evolutions released within the original theme.

SpongeBob

Image: BrickLink

SpongeBob has some of the most dramatic changes with only one new piece, despite appearances. Rather than SpongeBob's sponge body being a substitute for a minifigure head on a standard torso and legs, he now has a specialised body that connects to the legs directly without a standard torso.

That body piece also features holes for two Technic pins, where LEGO Minion arms can be attached to complete the minifigure. SpongeBob also comes with dual-moulded legs, which is an upgrade over the original legs, but means he has brown shoes instead of block ones.

Patrick

Image: BrickLink

Patrick's new minifigure presents another dramatic transformation. While he still has standard minifigure legs and a normal torso, his head element has been combined with a stomach to capture Patrick's rotund shape.

The introduction of dual-moulded legs also means that Patrick is no longer wearing shorts on only the front of his body. He's finally being more modest with his outfit.

Squidward

Image: BrickLink

Squidward's minifigure has only changed in terms of decorations and colour. The new minifigure's head element is identical to that released in 2009. It would appear that the older element has been brought back and updated with more accurate printing and colours.

The new minifigure is a colossal improvement over the original, which used only standard minifigure parts. It's amazing to see how far LEGO Squidward has come.

Gary

Gary the snail has also received a makeover in the new 11386 SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom. His build has been updated to be one stud longer, and the shell has no gaps now. Otherwise, the cherry element is still being used for the eyes, calling back to the original LEGO Gary.

11386 SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom will be released on September 1, 2026, for £189.99 / $219.99 / €209.99.