In 2005, following the release of The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie and amid growing protests from conservative Christian groups, Hillenburg reaffirmed to People that the characters were “almost asexual.”

Tom Heintjes, editor of Hogan's Alley, published “The Oral History of SpongeBob SquarePants” in 2012, featuring interviews with key figures from the show's production: Eric Coleman (Nickelodeon's VP of animation development, 1992-2008), Derek Drymon (creative director, 1999-2004), Tom Kenny (SpongeBob's voice actor, 1999-present), and Tom Yasumi (animation director and timer, 1999-2021). The topic of Spongebob’s sexuality is brought up. While the word asexual is not directly used, their discussion about the character fits Hillenburg’s earlier statements about the character. Lender described Spongebob as such “SpongeBob’s just a kid—sex doesn’t exist for him. It’s completely outside his understanding and doesn’t motivate him in any way.” with Drymon adding “SpongeBob isn’t gay or straight, he’s innocent. He’s just a kid.”