LEGO SpongeBob is back, this time as part of the LEGO Icons theme, opening the door to bigger and more detailed sets designed for adult fans.
Despite SpongeBob SquarePants being a show aimed at younger audiences, many of the people who watched it at its peak are now grown up – and, to quote Mr. Krabs, that means they have more money!
As a result, bringing SpongeBob back as an 18+ theme with LEGO Icons 11386 SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom is a great idea. It opens the door to huge display sets, potentially released annually, recreating classic locations and moments from Bikini Bottom.
Here are seven sets we would love to see next from an 18+ LEGO SpongeBob SquarePants line-up.
The Krusty Krab and Chum Bucket
Both of these locations received smaller versions in the original LEGO SpongeBob theme, but there is now no reason they couldn’t be combined into one massive set, especially given that they sit opposite each other in the show.
The Krusty Krab could be packed with incredible detail, but the most exciting part would be the minifigure selection. Mr. Krabs, Squidward and SpongeBob would be essential, but imagine including iconic customers from classic episodes such as Fred, Bubble Bass or Gene Scallop.
The Chum Bucket would obviously be less crowded, but a proper Plankton minifigure – rather than just a printed 1x1 rounded piece – would be a fantastic addition.
Sandy’s Treedome
One of the most recognisable locations in the series, Sandy’s Treedome has never received a LEGO set.
An 18+ recreation could include a removable dome, detailed science equipment, Sandy’s living quarters and the famous airlock entrance. It would make for a unique display piece while also offering plenty of opportunities for Easter eggs from the show.
Boating School
One of the most unique playsets from the original LEGO SpongeBob line-up was 4982 Mrs. Puff’s Boating School, as it allowed fans to recreate SpongeBob’s infamous driving disasters.
Imagine that concept recreated on a much larger scale. Multiple boats, multiple obstacles to crash into, and perhaps even a motorised feature allowing SpongeBob to repeatedly cause chaos around the course.
Of course, a new Mrs. Puff minifigure would be essential too.
The Flying Dutchman’s Ship
Another location that has technically been released before, but not for over 12 years, The Flying Dutchman’s Ship would be a perfect fit for an 18+ LEGO SpongeBob line.
The LEGO Group and fans alike have a long history with pirate-themed sets, so a ghostly pirate ship could appeal to both SpongeBob fans and collectors who simply love unique display models.
The ship itself could feature spooky details, hidden compartments and, obviously, a minifigure of the Flying Dutchman himself.
Neptune’s Palace
The home of King Neptune could become one of the most impressive LEGO SpongeBob display sets yet.
It could feature grand architectural details, a King Neptune bigfig sitting in his throne room, and Princess Mindy. Easter eggs from the 2004 SpongeBob SquarePants Movie could also be scattered throughout the build, making it a dream set for long-time fans.
Glove World
While we did receive 3816 Glove World when SpongeBob was its own LEGO theme, the set featured little more than a kiosk and a small moving ride.
A modern LEGO Icons version could be something much bigger. Imagine a full amusement park packed with minifigures, a large roller coaster, motorised attractions and all the colourful details that make Glove World so memorable.
The Mermalair
Image: Nickelodeon
The secret headquarters of Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy would be a dream set for fans of SpongeBob’s classic episodes.
The build could recreate the heroes’ underground base, complete with computer systems, gadgets, vehicles and villains such as Man Ray. It could even include updated versions of SpongeBob and Patrick’s superhero minifigures from 3815 Heroic Heroes of the Deep as a nostalgic callback.
For now, all we know for certain is that 11386 SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom and 40858 SpongeBob SquarePants Figure are coming. However, it would be amazing to see LEGO SpongeBob follow in the footsteps of LEGO Lord of the Rings, with one huge display set arriving each year – perhaps alongside a smaller companion build.
40858 SpongeBob SquarePants Figure releases on September 1 for £10.99 / $12.99 / €12.99 and is available to pre-order now from LEGO.com. LEGO Icons 11386 SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom also releases on September 1 for £189.99 / $219.99 / €209.99, and can be pre-ordered too.
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