Internet horror story Jeff the Killer is heading to movie theaters in a feature film adaptation produced by creative platform Tongal and filmmaker Savanah Moss.
The project marks the first full-length horror movie produced by Tongal. It arrives as Hollywood shows growing interest in converting digital internet phenomena into major film productions following the success of Backrooms.
Jeff the Killer originated as a creepypasta, a genre of short horror stories collected and shared across online forums, blogs, and social media video platforms.
Origins of the viral internet legend
The character first appeared on the internet in 2008. Over the years, the story changed and expanded through ongoing contributions from the online community.
In its digital backstory, the character is depicted as a 13-year-old youth who turns into a killer after suffering a brutal attack that disfigures his face.
His distinct appearance features stark white skin, black eyes, and an unsettling smile displaying exposed gums. The character eventually became one of the most recognizable icons of creepypasta culture.
Creative leadership and adaptation vision
Tongal selected Moss, a filmmaker and content creator with more than 11 million followers on TikTok, to lead the adaptation. Moss is known for combining horror with surreal humor by mixing absurd situations with disturbing elements.
She previously wrote, co-directed, and starred in the short film Funny Bunny, which was selected for several film festivals specializing in horror and science fiction.
Moss will serve as a producer on the film and hold a central role in its creative direction. She said her intention is to maintain the essence of the character while moving it into a more realistic and disturbing horror film.
Global open call for creators
To develop the project, Tongal is allowing other creators and filmmakers to participate in the early stages of development.
An initial open call is already active for artists around the world to submit their own character concepts for the film.
