Matty Cardarople Joins the SpongeBob Universe in Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie
Matty Cardarople is one of those prolific actors whose face is absolutely everywhere, appearing in everything from Jurassic World and A Series of Unfortunate Events to Stranger Things, Free Guy and Fallout. He just added yet another exciting credit to his filmography with Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie.
The latest SpongeBob SquarePants movie is out today, Aug. 2, on Netflix, with a brand new story seeing Bikini Bottom scooped out of the sea, and SpongeBob and Sandy teaming up, heading to her home state of Texas in order to save the town from an evil CEO. In the film, Matty plays the land-dweller Kyle, and we got the chance to chat with him about his history as an actor and what joining the SpongeBob universe means to him in the interview below.
Sweety High: When did you discover your passion for acting? Was there any specific a-ha moment that made you realize it was the path for you?
Matty Cardarople: My original plan as a kid was to pitch for the Boston Red Sox. but when I had Little League try outs, I got rejected. I was crushed. My parents took me to see Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura. I was a fan of his from In Living Color, but when I saw him in Ace Ventura, it sparked my passion for acting. He was able to uplift me and make me laugh so much. It was incredibly healing and exactly what the doctor ordered. As an actor, I love that I'm able to make others laugh, bring joy, and some peace.
(Photo credit: Jenna Jimenez)
SH: What would you say was your first big break?
MC: I would have to say it was two moments where I had my first big break. First was Drillbit Taylor with Owen Wilson. Owen and Luke Wilson gave me my first big opportunities in Hollywood and I'm forever grateful. Then the tipping point for my career was Dumb and Dumber To. It's the leverage I needed to spring me forward. I'm forever grateful for Peter and Bobby Farrelly, too. I don't think I would have a career without them.
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SH: Were you a fan of SpongeBob SquarePants before you were cast in the new film? What does it mean to you to join such a beloved franchise?
MC: I've always been a huge fan of SpongeBob SquarePants. It means the world to me because as a kid I was obsessed and would watch it all of the time. It actually meant even more to me because a few months before I booked this role—I had a health scare and almost died—so the fact that I survived and was able to continue to live the dream and bring joy to others means the world to me. I'm happier and healthier than ever and look forward to the future. I hope there's even more SpongeBob in my life.
(Photo credit: Jenna Jimenez)
SH: What can you tell us about Kyle and his role in the story?
MC: I can't say too much, but I can say he is a land dweller. He's live-action and works for Wanda Sykes' character, Sue Nahmee. You will have to stream to find out more!
SH: What was your favorite memory from the set?
MC: I have so many. Improvising with Ilia Isorelýs Paulino, who plays Phoebe, and with Wanda Sykes. They're both so talented and so funny. And working with Liza Johnson, one of the best directors I've ever worked with. She was so personable, kind and just a blast to work with. It will definitely forever be a core memory of mine.
(Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie via Netflix)
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SH: Is there anything you can't wait for fans to see in the movie?
MC: Just all of it. It's so funny and just a blast! I can't wait for everyone to see it!
SH: Where else can we see your work right now?
MC: Check out Season 3 of Reservation Dogs, and also I'm in Fallout on Amazon Prime. I am also in a fun Halloween movie that y'all should look out for called Carved.
(Photo credit: Jenna Jimenez)
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
MC: I'd like to share a poem that I wrote for when we wrapped SpongeBob and read to the crew. It's something to live by as artists.
"WE ARE THE ANGELS OF JOY, BOB.
Somewhere there is a child who is scared.
Or that is going through a hard time at home.
Or doesn't feel like they fit in at school.
Then there's us.
We wake at sunrise. Put on our wings.
We bring something those kids need more
then ever. Especially now.
And that's
Joy.
Smiles and Laughter.
Every day. Every set up.
Every take
with the long hours we put in.
We build Joy, manufacture it, live it.
Take a moment and remember that.
We are the Angels of joy.
Say it Again.
Feel it.
Angels of Joy.
That's us.
We are here to protect it, to cherish it, to save it.
To bring into homes across the world.
And to the pineapples under the sea.
Cause that's what we do BOB.
That's our JOB.
Joy Angels."– Matty Cardarople
If you can't get enough of SpongeBob SquarePants, click HERE to check out some of our favorite SpongeBob-themed gifts to celebrate the show's 25th anniversary.