Pixar Character Tom the Lizard Finds Viral Fame

A test clip created by Pixar animators gains unexpected popularity after appearing in end credits.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Animation

Bold vector editorial illustration of a green lizard on a drafting desk, evoking the creative origins of viral animation. — Pixar animators' independent project featuring Tom the Lizard gained unexpected viral fame after appearing in a 2025 film's end credits. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Pixar filmmakers produced a viral video clip featuring the character Tom the Lizard in 2025. The character originated as an independent pitch that eventually found an audience after appearing in film end credits.

Why it matters

The clips existence highlights how independent creative projects developed by animators between feature film assignments can find new life through social media. Disney ultimately embraced the popularity by incorporating the character into the promotional campaign for the film Hoppers.

The Tom the Lizard character achieved sufficient viral recognition to warrant an official character skin in the game Fortnite. This transition from a discarded pitch to a commercial product marks a rare instance of an end-credits easter egg gaining standalone status.

The players

Pixar

An American computer animation film studio that is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.

Disney

A diversified multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate.

The details

Pixar filmmakers created the Tom the Lizard clip independently between their main studio work because they felt the comedic gag was too good to discard. After Disney initially declined to use the clip for a D23 fan convention announcement, it was attached to the end credits of the film Elio, where a viewer recorded and shared it online.

Last year, the clip was originally pitched for the D23 fan convention.

Industry Dynamics

Comparing the Tom the Lizard viral phenomenon to the viral success of Pixar's SparkShorts program illustrates how short-form animation content can bypass traditional distribution gates. This trend demonstrates how studio animators are increasingly finding ways to reach audiences directly when corporate pitches fail to secure approval.

Fans of the character can now engage with Tom the Lizard directly through the official Fortnite skin rather than just viewing the character in film credits. This availability bridges the gap between passive film consumption and active participation in digital gaming environments.

The takeaway

Creative ideas that are rejected by corporate leadership can still find an audience if they are released through alternative channels. Animators who pursue their passion projects on the side can occasionally turn a simple gag into a global entertainment asset.