Matty Cardarople is definitely someone you should recognize. He’s appeared in everything from Jurassic World and A Series of Unfortunate Events to Stranger Things, Free Guy and Fallout. His resume keeps growing with Netflix’s Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie.
Saving Bikini Bottom follows the story where Bikini Bottom is suddenly scooped out of the ocean. Sandy Cheeks (Carolyn Lawrence) and SpongeBob SquarePants (Tom Kenny) journey to Sandy’s home state of Texas, where they meet Sandy’s family and must save Bikini Bottom from the hands of an evil CEO. In the film, Matty plays the land-dweller Kyle, who is delightfully funny.
Directed by Liza Johnson and written by Kaz and Tom Stern, the spinoff marks the fourth film of the Stephen Hillenburg franchise based on the original Nickelodeon series SpongeBob Squarepants, running since its debut in 1999.
Saving Bikini Bottom also features the voices of Clancy Brown, Bill Fagerbakke, Mr. Lawrence, Mary Jo Catlett, Rodger Bumpass, Dee Bradley Baker, Johnny Knoxville, Craig Robinson, Grey DeLisle, and also stars Wanda Sykes, and Ilia Isorelýs Paulino.
Check out our interview with Matty:
How did you get involved with Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie?
MC: I got a zoom director’s session audition. I was super stoked for it as I was a huge fan of Spongebob. It was a unique one as there’s a scene where I sit up and pop into frame from laying down. The logistics of that can be difficult for a taping but my wife let me use her acupuncture table. And I was able to pop up. I had a blast at the audition. And felt it went well. A couple weeks later I got an email that I got offered the role and I was thrilled!
Were you a fan of Spongebob before joining the film? If so, do you have a favorite character?
MC: I have been a huge fan since I was a kid. Spongebob has always cracked me up. I’d have to say my favorites are Spongebob, Patrick, and Gary, and of course, Sandy Cheeks.
Why do you think the SpongeBob franchise has endured for so long?
MC: I think it’s because it’s so clever and funny and it teaches people about the ocean. And the writing and all the talent is consistently incredible. With all those factors anything can last a long time.
I think part of why it’s endured for so long is that it’s so quotable. Do you have a favorite line or episode that you quote often? (I love quoting anything from the Band Geeks episode)
MC: For me it’s the song that really stands out to me and I remember that it is so fun and catchy. “Who lives under a pineapple under the sea! Spongebob Squarepants!”
Getting back to the movie— Kyle is delightfully funny. Did you get any say in his characterization or did you get to improv any lines?
MC: I got to improv quite a bit. Ones that stand out are when I first pickup Spongebob and say I’m a fan and also the end where I tell them “Happy Vapor Trails”
What was it like acting with animated costars? Did you have a tennis ball or anything to work off of or was it purely imagination?
MC: It’s awesome because you get to use your imagination working with animated characters. On the day of filming, the crew used shapes/figurines that are wrapped in green screen or blue screen and we act with those. (I’ll include a photo as an example)
Wanda and Ilia were also incredibly funny in this movie. What was it like getting to work with them?
MC: They are both amazing, kind and hilarious. Such Pros. They really take their jobs seriously and are such a blast to work with. It was really fun because we would pitch each other ideas for ideas in the scenes and they were open to that and for me that’;s the best when an actor can let go of ego and collaborate on a scene. I can’t wait to work with them again. I hope sooner than later.
What is up next for you? Are there any new projects you can tease?
MC: I have a part in this awesome Halloween film CARVED. It’s hilarious and pumpkins are the villain. Be on the lookout for that and I’m a guest star in the amazing show Ghosts so be on the lookout for that as well. Also I wrote a film with my best buddy Chris Dotson and it is starring another best bud Anthony Devries. Be on the lookout for that too!
In addition to acting, I hear you’re a poet. How did you get into poetry and what do you write about?
MC: Yeah, I love poetry. Reading poetry was my first introduction to performing. I had a teacher Mr . Fergusan who really encouraged me to write and it was my favorite subject in school. Also I grew up with a family filled with really talented artists, my mom is a painter, my step dad Bruce a poet, my sisters are very talented artists and writers too. Growing up around that really was creativity rewarding and inspiring to me. I like to write about things that may inspire others or I like writing about how I’m feeling or how you should navigate life.
Do you have plans for another poetry book in the near future?
MC: I do, yes. I’m working on my third book and hope to publish it this Fall.
If people want to stay up to date with you and your work, what social media platforms can we follow you on?
MC: I’m @mattycardarople on all platforms with the checkmark.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
MC: Thanks for having me and I wish you a very happy and successful life.
