Tom the Lizard first appeared in a brief after-credits gag attached to Pixar’s Elio: he taps lizard emojis on a phone while an automated voice repeats “lizard.” Pixar Post credits the gag to story artist Hannah Roman and reports that Pixar later identified the character as Tom. The moment was a teaser for Hoppers, not a character introduced by an internet meme.
Where did the Tom the Lizard meme come from?
The clip appeared after the end credits of Elio. In the short scene, a goofy lizard uses a phone to enter lizard emojis as a synthetic voice says “lizard.” Pixar Post describes the gag as a teaser for Pixar’s next film, Hoppers, and credits story artist Hannah Roman with the idea. When viewers asked who the lizard was, Pixar identified him as Tom. Pixar Post’s account of what it learned about Hoppers.
How did a brief teaser catch on?
Tom stood out in an early audience preview
A Yahoo News search-result summary of an interview with Hoppers director Daniel Chong says an audience questionnaire asked preview viewers to name their favorite character, and Tom stood out despite appearing for only a fraction of the film in that early preview. This is a reported recollection, not a measured popularity figure.
The online breakout came later
The same summary attributes to Chong the recollection that Tom “went viral like a month later on the internet.” The wording gives an approximate sequence, not a precise date or a count of views, shares, or total reach. Yahoo’s page was not accessible when checked, so the account should be treated as secondary reporting rather than a directly verified interview transcript. Yahoo News’ reported account of Tom’s backstory.
#1 Best Overall
- MATERIAL: The green lizard plush toy is made of super soft, healthy, safe and durable short plush fabric, filled with high quality PP cotton, it feels very good to touch, when you hug and touch it, you will feel safe and cozy, and your heart will be quiet.
- Features:This green lizard stuffed animal toy has realistic details, printed patterns, has an irresistibly cute image. The three-dimensional claws and overall shape make it look like a real wild lizard.
- The green lizard stuffed animal toy is good at hugging, comforting and listening, loves to play and make mischief, a great holiday and Christmas gift for kids!
- Size: two sizes (26.5 inches), (37.4 inches), perfect size for decorating! Can be played with, can be used as a pillow, cute and soft lizard doll, friendly, relaxing, ready to cuddle
- If you have any problem after receiving the product, please contact us in time, we will try our best to solve it for you.
What does Tom have to do with Hoppers?
Hoppers is about scientists who discover how to transfer human consciousness into lifelike robotic wildlife, allowing people to communicate with animals. Daniel Chong directed the film. Disney’s March 5, 2026 article said it would open in theaters March 6, 2026. The Walt Disney Company’s behind-the-scenes article.
The teaser’s animal character also fits the film’s approach to its animal cast. Screenwriter Jesse Andrews told Disney: “Instead of conceiving animals that are simply furry people, we tried to keep them as animalistic as possible, while still making them funny, relatable, and identifiable.”
Rank #2
- Distinctive Appearance: This plush lizard showcases a vibrant green color with subtle gray-green markings on its back, complemented by expressive eyes and a distinctive tail shape.
- Superior Material: Made from premium PP cotton, this plush toy is soft and easy to clean with mild soap and water.
- Practical Packaging: Each set includes a magnet toy and a metal sheet. The metal sheet can be placed in clothing, allowing the plush toy's magnetic belly to securely attach for interactive play.
- Compact and Lightweight: Measuring 6.3 inches and weighing just 0.23 pounds, this plush shoulder buddy is portable and features a detailed 3D design for realistic appeal.
- Versatile Surprise: Ideal for gifting on occasions like Valentine's Day and Christmas, or as a charming addition to home decor. This adorable lizard plush toy brings joy and charm, suitable for both playtime and display.
Is there a confirmed count of Tom’s views or shares?
No independently verified figure for Tom’s views, shares, or overall reach is established by the cited reporting. The account of the early questionnaire response and later online spread comes through the Yahoo News search-result summary; it should not be turned into a numerical claim about how popular the clip became.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Soft plush fabric ; Huggable and super cute ; Comes with its own story
- This plush stuffed animal is securely sewn from high quality polyester and acrylic fabrics and filled with white polypropylene plush filling
- Recommended for ages 3+ ; No phthalates, lead, BPA, or heavy metals ; We have our products and components tested in accredited labs for compliance with CPSIA and ASTM F963-11 safety standards ; Please hand wash with light soap and cold water and let air dry
- Size and weight ; Product measures 26.5 x 7 x 5.5 in inches ; 67.4 x 17.8 x 14 in centimeters ; Product weighs approximately 0.6 pounds or 0.3 kilograms
- Manufacturer warranty ; 90 day manufacturer warranty for all manufacturer's defects
Rank #4
- Fun Costume Lizard Toy Cartoon Cloth Toy Halloween Role Party.
- Soft plush fabric; Can embrace, cartoon style, very cute; Has its own story, can be paired with clothing for role-playing.
- Easy to clean: When the little lizard gets dirty, you can gently brush it with a little water and then dry it in the sun. Soon, it will become beautiful again. For the sake of toys, please do not wash them in the washing machine. If necessary, please let the machine run slowly and use warm water.
- Easy to clean: When the little lizard gets dirty, you can gently brush it with a little water and then dry it in the sun. Soon, it will become beautiful again. For the sake of toys, please do not wash them in the washing machine. If necessary, please let the machine run slowly and use warm water.
- It can be used in various occasions and clothing combinations, such as school booking days, school role-playing, Halloween role-playing, dance performances, parties, photos, clubs, and can be flexibly used for both leisure and formal purposes.
Rank #3
- You won’t stick your tongue out at this adorable Chameleon stuffed animal by Wild Republic
- Instead of bumpy reptilian skin, this Chameleon stuffed animal is covered in soft, durable fabric, able to stand up to hours of adventure
- This 8 inch master of disguise is Constructed from nose to tail with surface washable fabric in a variety of vibrant colors
- The unique shape of its head, along with its spiny back and curly tail make this stuffed animal an eye-popping realistic version of a Chameleon in nature
- No matter what your age, no one will be able to resist this cute and cuddly Chameleon plush toy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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