Javier Bardemhas been cast in Sony Pictures’ live-action hybrid filmLyle, Lyle, Crocodileaccording toDeadline. While the Oscar-winner is better known for his roles in films likeNo Country for Old MenandSkyfall, Bardem is no stranger to family-friendly films. He played the villainous Captain Salazar inPirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Talesand is set to play King Triton in Disney’s upcomingThe Little Mermaidadaptation.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodiletells the story of the titular character Lyle, who happens to be a crocodile that is living with the Primm family in New York City on East 88th Street. The family found him in their bathtub when they first moved into the Victorian brownstone and, instead of being horrified, Lyle becomes a cherished part of the family. He even goes to the store with Mrs. Primm and helps with chores around the house. Unfortunately, their next-door neighbor, Mr. Grumps, and his cat Loretta, see Lyle as a nuisance and have him hauled away to the zoo. Through a series of events, Lyle eventually proves that he is more than just a crocodile — he’s a hero.
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Sources also told Deadline thatBenj PasekandJustin Paul, best known for their work onLa La Landand the upcomingDear Evan Hansenmovie, are set to write original songs for the film.Will SpeckandJosh Gordonwill directWill Davies’ adaptation ofBernard Waber’s best-selling children’s book that was first published in 1965.
This is not the first time Waber’s whimsical children’s tale has been made into a musical. In 1987, HBO adapted the book into a 25-minute animated musical,Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile: The Musical, which is currently available on HBO Max.
In addition to directing, Speck and Gordon are producingLyle, Lyle, Crocodilealongside Hutch Parker. Pask and Paul are also executive producing withDan Wilsonfor Hutch Parker Entertainment andKevin K. Vafifor Speck & Gordon. The film is slated to release on June 18, 2025.
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