As the blockbuster year full of cinematic dream-come-true moments fast approaches a curtain call, cinephiles are making up for the year-end with a look back at Hollywood’s haven. The festive season is in full bloom, and audiences are gravitating toward their trusty guilty pleasures for a dose of comfort. But this year, the movie scene is breaking the mold. With the same fervor and enthusiasm that accompanies the annual cinematic refresh, Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is weaving a nostalgic spell, capped off by a surprise SpongeBob tribute that has fans reminiscing about the good old days. 

At the Los Angeles premiere of Nosferatu, scheduled for release on Christmas Day, in a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Robert Eggers acknowledged Nickelodeon’s influence in bringing the infamous vampire to the kids’ screens. As a child, Eggars would tune into Muppet Babies, which introduced him to classic film clips, including Lon Chaney’s Phantom of the Opera, and later shaped his cinematic tastes. Eggers then thanked SpongeBob SquarePants for contributing to his cinematic sensibilities, while Nosferatu awaits its theatrical debut.

Nosferatu, aka Count Orlok, made several appearances on SpongeBob SquarePants—a show that is famously etched in every cherished childhood memory. While Robert Eggers confirmed his familiarity with the show’s content, Nicholas Hoult expressed enthusiasm to catch up, having not seen it earlier. However, speaking of familiarity, Hoult hopes Nosferatu succeeds in defamiliarization with a “reintroduction” of the character. Eggers even extended a joking encouragement, highlighting the Christmas Day release by saying “definitely take the whole family, the younger the better.” 

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While Nosferatu may have some source of contention if the rumor mills were to be taken seriously, Robert Eggers fanning the flames of anticipation with a nostalgic tribute, at least, cuts out the tension.

With the year-ending shenanigans filling every calendar, the concluding lineup of films has the ultimate chance to leave a lasting impact as they say, "all's well that ends well." Although Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu may have crossed the spooky season timeline for a befitting entry, there is every possible chance it will bring back the chills fans thought were shelved for this year. After Eggers’ SpongeBob tribute during the LA premiere, fans are not only enthusiastic but also emotional.

Many fans were hilariously reminded of SpongeBob’s “invaluable” contribution to society by the rest.

Meanwhile, they even conjured episodes from decades back, like the time passage was as good as indifferent. Netizens even seized the opportunity to tune their own songs of gratitude to SpongeBob SquarePants, considering the world evolved under his pineapple tree. While Christmas has a unique way of catapulting audiences into the old days, Nosferatu’s Christmas release is nothing less than a validation that the year-end will be eerily merry.

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What do you think of Robert Eggers' gratitude to SpongeBob for Nosferatu? Let us know in the comments below!