From He-Man to Big Chungus: The Influence of Internet Memes on Pop Culture and Entertainment
The "He-Man Sings" meme originated in 2005 as a music video created by animators at Slackcircus Studios. The video featured He-Man from the 1980s animated series singing a distorted version of 4 Non Blondes' "What's Up?" The video gained popularity on websites like Something Awful and eBaum's World. The song "What's Up?" is also featured in the 2026 film adaptation of "Masters of the Universe," providing a nostalgic touch for Millennials.
Internet memes have found their way into various franchises and movies, including the 2023 animated film "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem." In this film, the mutant animals sing the "Hey ya" chorus of "What's Up?" before the turtles take control of the van and the music shifts to the "Fabulous Secret Powers" remix of the song. Memes have become a common language for Millennials, with pop culture figures being remixed through online culture jamming.
Memes have also influenced mainstream entertainment, such as the use of the "I'm the Juggernaut, b***h!" meme in the 2006 film "X-Men: The Last Stand." Additionally, the 2018 animated movie "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" pays homage to a meme from the 1960s "Spider-Man" animated series by featuring a scene with two Spider-Men pointing at each other. The Big Chungus meme, originating from a 1941 Bugs Bunny short, even made its way into a scene in 2021's "Space Jam: A New Legacy."
In conclusion, internet memes have become a significant part of pop culture, influencing entertainment across various mediums and providing a source of humor and nostalgia for audiences. The integration of memes into films and franchises showcases the impact of online culture on mainstream media and the enduring appeal of these humorous and creative expressions.