Johnny Depp is revisiting his roots. The once-21 Jump Street star, who is now one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces (and the object of my secret affections), is returning to TV in a surprising role.

According to OK! Magazine, the Tim Burton muse will guest-star on Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants on April 17.

In “SpongeBob vs. The Big One”, Depp voices the “enigmatic surf gur” Jack Kahuna Laguna when SpongeBob, Patrick and Squidward are swept away by a giant wave.

The trio are separated from Mr. Krabs and wind up on a hidden island, where their only chance of survival is to learn to surf.

The episode is part of a year-long celebration of SpongeBob’s 10th anniversary.

Depp, who is known for darker roles in films such as The Legend of Sleepy Hallow, Edward Scissorhands, Sweeny Todd and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, undoubtedly took on the role to please his children.

That probably wasn’t the case when he signed up for the role of The Mad Hatter in Tim Burton’s upcoming remake of Alice in Wonderland – the director’s style doesn’t always teeter towards kid-friendly.

(From tvguide.sympatico.msn.ca)