 " What Ever Happened to SpongeBob ? " , also known as " WhoBob WhatPants ? " , was a special episode written by Casey Alexander , Zeus Cervas , and Steven Banks . It was directed by Alan Smart . Alexander and Cervas also functioned as storyboard directors . The episode was first announced by Nickelodeon on September 24 , 2008 on a press release . According to the network , SpongeBob " wanders the ocean , a stranger in his own pants , " and finds himself in a rough part of New Kelp City , where he faces off against the Boys ' gangleader , Liotta 's character . 
