LEGO SpongeBob Sets May Return in 2026 After 13-Year Absence: Evidence & Theory

SpongeBob SquarePants fans might soon have a reason to rejoice: LEGO SpongeBob sets could be making a comeback in 2026, marking the franchise’s return to the iconic brick format after a 13-year hiatus. While nothing is officially confirmed, a trail of circumstantial evidence—including licensing changes and industry patterns—has sparked serious speculation among fans and industry watchers.

The Evidence: Why Fans Think LEGO SpongeBob is Returning

1. AREA-X Discontinuing All SpongeBob Products

The most significant piece of evidence comes from AREA-X, a Chinese brick toy manufacturer that currently holds SpongeBob licensing rights.

What’s happening:

• AREA-X announced it’s discontinuing all 27 SpongeBob products on December 30, 2025
• Products are being actively delisted from storefronts, not just retired from production
• This applies even if inventory still exists

Why this matters: Active delisting typically indicates an expired license, meaning AREA-X no longer has rights to use SpongeBob for commercial purposes. When high-profile licenses expire with one company, they often reappear with another—frequently LEGO.

2. The Pokemon Pattern Repeats

This exact scenario played out earlier in 2025 with Pokemon:

Timeline:

• Mattel’s Mega brand announced it would stop selling Pokemon products in December 2025
• One day later, LEGO announced its first-ever Pokemon collaboration

As noted by Brick Fanatics, this pattern of a LEGO competitor losing a license shortly before LEGO acquires it is common in the industry.

Pro tip: When major brick toy companies suddenly discontinue popular IPs, watch for LEGO announcements within weeks or months.

3. Fortnite Crossover Leaks

Recent leaks suggest an upcoming SpongeBob x Fortnite collaboration—another indicator of renewed licensing activity.

The Simpsons precedent:

• The Simpsons received a Fortnite collaboration in 2025
• LEGO launched new Simpsons sets the same year
• SpongeBob could follow this exact pattern

Why video game tie-ins matter: Major crossovers like Fortnite typically coordinate with broader merchandising pushes, including toys.

4. New SpongeBob Movie Release

A new SpongeBob movie premieres on December 19, 2025—perfect timing for a merchandising blitz.

Historical context:

• Major animated releases typically trigger waves of licensed products
• LEGO frequently coordinates set launches with film releases
• 2026 would be ideal timing for post-movie merchandise

SpongeBob’s Brick Toy History: A Timeline

Understanding SpongeBob’s journey through the brick toy market provides context for why a LEGO return makes sense.

Original LEGO Era (2006-2013):

Partnership launched: 2006 between Nickelodeon and LEGO Group
Total sets released: 14 official sets
Final releases: 2012
Discontinued: 2013

Post-LEGO Licensing:

Mega Bloks (2014):

• Acquired rights after LEGO discontinuation
• Released construction toy line

Kawada (2020):

• Used SpongeBob for Nanoblocks (micro-building kits)
• Smaller-scale alternative to traditional brick toys

AREA-X (Late 2023-2025):

• Launched 27 themed products over two years
• Now discontinuing entire line December 30, 2025

Pattern observation: SpongeBob has consistently remained in the brick toy market through different licensors, suggesting strong commercial viability.

All 14 Original LEGO SpongeBob Sets (2006-2013)

For nostalgia and context, here’s the complete original lineup:

Target audience: Original sets were aimed at ages 5-7+, emphasizing younger builders.

Would New LEGO SpongeBob Sets Target Adults?

One of the most intriguing questions is whether a 2026 relaunch would maintain the child-focused approach or target adult collectors.

Evidence for Adult-Oriented Sets:

Recent LEGO trends:

• 18+ Pokemon sets rumored for near-future release
• Growing LEGO adult collector market
• Original SpongeBob fans are now adults (show premiered 1999)

Market shift:

• LEGO increasingly recognizes aging core audiences
• Premium, detailed sets for adult builders becoming standard
• SpongeBob has multi-generational appeal

Potential Set Concepts for Adults:

Likely candidates for detailed adult builds:

• SpongeBob’s Pineapple House (modular building series style)
• Krusty Krab (large, detailed restaurant build)
• Bikini Bottom cityscape (multiple buildings, advanced techniques)
• The Chum Bucket (companion to Krusty Krab)

Collector appeal: Nostalgia-driven adult purchases could justify higher price points and more complex designs than the original 2006-2013 lineup.

AREA-X Clearance Sale: Last Chance for Current SpongeBob Bricks

If you want SpongeBob brick toys right now, AREA-X is running a clearance until December 30, 2025.

Current AREA-X SpongeBob Products:

Available: 18 products on official website (down from 27)

Price range:

• Cheapest: Rolling in Money (Mr. Krabs Version) – $19.50
• Most expensive: Spongebob’s Pineapple House – $154

Holiday promotion:

• Every purchase includes mystery gift (valued at $9.90)
• Limited time through December 30 deadline

Collector consideration: These sets may become collectibles once delisted, especially if LEGO SpongeBob launches shortly after.

What Could New LEGO SpongeBob Sets Look Like?

Based on current LEGO design philosophy and SpongeBob’s rich source material, here are realistic predictions:

Likely Set Categories:

Locations:

• SpongeBob’s Pineapple House (iconic and photogenic)
• Krusty Krab (most recognizable location)
• Patrick’s Rock (simple companion set)
• Sandy’s Treedome (unique underwater/land hybrid)

Vehicles:

• Patty Wagon (Krabby Patty car from the movie)
• Invisible Boatmobile (Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy)
• The Flying Dutchman’s ship

Character-focused:

• Minifigure collection packs (like LEGO Collectible Minifigures series)
• Build-A-Bob style customizable SpongeBob
• Plankton’s various inventions

Modern LEGO Features to Expect:

• Modular compatibility for combining sets
• Hidden details and Easter eggs for adult builders
• Interactive elements (moving parts, hidden compartments)
• Premium packaging for collector display
• Licensing accuracy matching current show designs

When Could LEGO SpongeBob Sets Actually Release?

If the theory proves correct, here’s the realistic timeline:

Most Likely Scenario:

Q1-Q2 2026:

• Official announcement (possibly at toy fairs)
• Pre-orders open
• Coordinate with post-movie merchandising push

Mid-2026:

• Initial wave of 3-5 sets launches
• Mix of price points ($20-$150 range)
• Both child-friendly and adult collector options

Late 2026/Early 2027:

• Second wave if first performs well
• More characters and locations
• Potential exclusive or limited editions

What Could Delay or Prevent This:

• Licensing negotiations: May take longer than expected
• LEGO production schedule: Already packed with major IPs
• Market testing: LEGO may want to gauge demand first
• Competition: Other brick toy companies could retain rights

How This Fits LEGO’s Broader Strategy

A SpongeBob return aligns perfectly with LEGO’s current business approach:

Key Strategic Factors:

Nostalgia market:

• Millennials who grew up with SpongeBob now have disposable income
• Multi-generational appeal spans kids and parents
• 26-year franchise history provides deep emotional connection

IP portfolio expansion:

• LEGO actively acquiring new licenses (recent Pokemon addition)
• Balancing original themes with licensed content
• SpongeBob fills animation/TV show gap in portfolio

Proven track record:

• Original 2006-2013 line was commercially successful
• 14 sets over 7 years demonstrates sustained demand
• Modern LEGO production quality would elevate execution

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Bottom line: While not officially confirmed, the evidence strongly suggests LEGO SpongeBob sets could return in 2026. AREA-X’s December 30 license expiration, combined with industry patterns (Pokemon precedent), upcoming media tie-ins (new movie, possible Fortnite crossover), and LEGO’s expanding adult collector market, create compelling circumstances for a comeback. Whether targeting kids, adults, or both, a SpongeBob return would fill a nostalgic gap in LEGO’s lineup while capitalizing on one of animation’s most enduring franchises. Keep watching for official announcements in early 2026—Bikini Bottom might just be returning to brick form after 13 years.