Another children’s classic is coming to the big screen, and he’s ready to sing! Earlier this week, Sony Pictures released the first trailer for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. The trailer can be viewed below.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is based on the 1960’s children’s book series Lyle the Crocodile. The first book, The House on 88th Street, follows the Primm family as they move into a Victorian brownstone, only to discover there is already a very special resident inside their bathtub! The second book (which shares the name of the film) follows Lyle as he is accused by an unhappy neighbor and reunites with an old performing partner. Judging from the clips in the trailer, as well as the synopsis below from Animationmagazine.net, the film will be an adaptation of both the first and second books in the series.
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“When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle – a singing crocodile who loves baths, caviar and great music-living in the attic of his new home. The two become fast friends, but when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbor Mr. Grumps, the Primm’s must band together with Lyle’s charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti, to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places and there’s nothing wrong with a big singing crocodile with an even bigger personality.”
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is directed by Will Speck and Josh Gordon (2007’s Blades of Glory and Cavemen). William Davies (1988’s Twins, 2010’s How to Train Your Dragon, and 2011’s Puss in Boots) is credited with writing the screenplay. The film will also be a musical, with original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Pal (The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen).
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This will not be the first time that Lyle has stepped off of the page and onto the screen. In the ’80s, the book was adapted into an animated special for HBO. The special was both directed and animated by Michael Sporn.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile stars Constance Wu (Crazy Rich Asians), Scoot McNairy (12 Years a Slave), and Winslow Fegley (Nightbooks)as the Primm family; Brett Gelman (Stranger Things) as Mr. Grumps; Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men) as Hector P. Valenti; and Shawn Mendes as Lyle himself! The film will be executive produced by Dan Wilson, Kevin K. Vafi, and Pasek & Paul. Speck and Gordon will also be producing the film as well as directing. Framstore, Day for Nite, and OPSIS will be handling the special effects in the film.
While this was an unexpected reveal from Sony, the trailer nails the charm that is needed to hook audiences. And considering Sony’s previous success with hybrid animated and live action movies like The Smurfs, Lyle could be another hit for them. It probably helps that the trailer itself is leaning into the musical side of the film rather than possible comedy angles, like the first Paddington teaser which gave a poor and misleading first look at the bear we would all come to know and love. Here’s hoping Lyle’s main show gives an equally heartfelt story as the trailer promises. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile makes his grand debut in theaters October 7th.
You can view the original article HERE.
