Singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes recently went viral for proclaiming “hey people!” and revealing his shocking buzzcut on an Instagram live with life coach and author Jay Shetty. Now, he finds his voice memed again.
Before the buzzcut heard around the world, Mendes starred as the voice behind Lyle the Crocodile, the titular character of the popular children’s book series published in 1965 by Bernar Waber. The 2022 film featured Lyle’s adventures in New York City as a singing crocodile alongside Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, Brett Gelman, Ego Nwodim, and more.
Months after the film’s theatrical release, a clip of Mendes’ character Lyle discovering his singing voice with a simple “la, la, la, la, la” has soundtracked a whopping 15,200 posts on TikTok. The videos all feature similar captions of “Shawn Mendes sightings” and cameos, when in reality the accompanying videos and images always feature a crocodile or a crocodile adjacent item (including a faux alligator skin purse).
@micahxcajilig
Sometimes, the videos even begin in a more serious matter, including real life injuries.
@lydia_hope_books is this funny? #lalalalala #shawnmendes #lylelylecrocodile #2023 #joke #shawnmendeslylelylecrocodile #dad #crocodile #alligator #greenscreen
Some TikTok creators are even using Shawn’s tune as a backdrop to several infamous movie crocodiles who are far more villainous than Lyle.
@classy_marie_ravioli Shawn Mendes did terrific! #shawnmendes #lylelylecrocodile #pearl #maxxxine #x #a24
@maddie_traps
@pootnavarro i never noticed this #shawnmendes #crawl #cameo #movie #lylemenendez
Shawn Mendes was also recently spotted in the audience at a Harry Styles concert, sparking fans of both artists to theorize about a future collaboration between the two. An article on the subject included a photo of Harry Styles wearing an all green ensemble, and the Lyle jokes continued.
@lilslutrry me next #lylelylecrocodile
Regardless of the humor, fans of Mendes and Lyle, Lyle Crocodile viewers alike are all loving the childhood nostalgia of the film.
@ratersapp Shawn Mendes Sure Is a Singing Crocodile! #lylelylecrocodile #shawnmendes #ratersapp #newmovie #movie #latestrelease #singingcrocodile #movierecommendation #movieclips
If you’re looking for a whimsical film to take you back to your childhood (and to finally understand all the memes), look no further than Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, which is now available for streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
