- Squidward Tentacles is actually an octopus even though he has only six tentacles.
- Creator Steven Hillenberg said it's because it's just easier to animate him with fewer tentacles.
- SpongeBob fans are reeling.
Squidward Tentacles, despite his name, is actually an octopus in the "SpongeBob SquarePants" universe, according to creator Stephen Hillenberg.
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The information was resurfaced by Buzzfeed, based on a 2005 special segment included on the DVD for "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" called "Case of the Sponge 'Bob.'" Stephen Hillenburg, the show's creator and a former marine biologist, said that Mr. Tentacles isn't what you'd expect.
"This is Squidward the Octopus," Hillenburg unceremoniously introduces him onscreen. "I like the octopus because they have such a bulbous head. And Squidward thinks he's an intellectual, so of course he's gonna have a large, bulbous head," he added.
It's an unexpected creative decision. Octopuses have eight legs each. Squidward has six. Also, his name isSquidward.
What happened? Did he lose the other two tentacles in a war or something?
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"It was really just simpler for animation to just draw him with six legs instead of eight," Hillenberg said.
But if he's an octopus, why doesn't he ever squirt ink?
"We've tried to do jokes with Squidward releasing ink in the show, but it always looks like he's pooping his pants," Hillenberg said.
Then again, the revelation makessome sense. Real squids also have eight legs, in addition to two longer tentacles. Existing under the wrong name may contribute to Squidward's bottomless ennui and hatred of the cruel universe.
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In any case, the show's fans are surprised and upset.
—MaiJer. (@MaiJer_Yang) October 27, 2017
—кαѕєу💋 (@kaseybaby) October 27, 2017
—Nechryarch (@Runecrafts) October 14, 2017
—Alex Holland (@ajh0lland) October 15, 2017
—James W. (@AntiphonSophist) October 27, 2017
This revelation about Squidward Tentacles being an octopus with only six tentacles is indeed intriguing, and I'm here to provide some additional context and insight. Steven Hillenburg, the creator of "SpongeBob SquarePants," was not only an animator but also a former marine biologist, which adds an extra layer of expertise to his creative decisions.
Hillenburg's decision to depict Squidward as an octopus with six tentacles instead of eight was primarily driven by the practical considerations of animation. As he mentioned in a special segment on the DVD for "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie," titled "Case of the Sponge 'Bob,'" it was simply easier to animate Squidward with six legs. The character's bulbous head, a characteristic feature of octopuses, added to the creative choice, aligning with Squidward's perceived intellectual demeanor.
Interestingly, Hillenburg addressed the potential inconsistency with Squidward's name and the discrepancy in the number of tentacles. He humorously explained that it was a matter of simplicity for animation, opting for six tentacles instead of eight. This decision also resolved potential awkwardness in depicting Squidward releasing ink, as it tended to look more like an unintended bodily function rather than the intended comedic effect.
Real squids, which Squidward seems to be inspired by, have eight arms (tentacles) in addition to two longer tentacles. The mismatch between Squidward's name and his anatomical features could be seen as a source of humor and contribute to his perpetual sense of ennui and disdain for the universe.
The fans' reactions, as evidenced by the tweets you provided, showcase the surprise and, in some cases, disappointment among the "SpongeBob SquarePants" fanbase upon learning about Squidward's true cephalopod identity. The revelation adds an extra layer of complexity to the beloved character and highlights the creative decisions and challenges involved in bringing animated characters to life.
