Tongal secures rights to develop a film based on creepypasta character Jeff the Killer

Creepypasta character Jeff the Killer will soon have his own movie.

Tongal, a studio that has worked with Netflix, Disney, and Pharrell Williams' Piece by Piece, just secured the rights to develop a feature film based on the character. This will be the company's first original horror feature.

Additionally, creator and filmmaker Savana Moss, known for her comedy and horror videos, is attached to produce the film, alongside Tongal and veteran film executives Mark Korshak (Incoming, Peppermint, and The Age of Adaline) and Michael McKay (Peppermint, The Age of Adaline, and In Our Blood).

The project will mark Moss' first foray into feature film production and follows the success of her short film, Funny Bunny, which she wrote, co-directed, and stars in. The six-minute film has garnered more than one million views since its release and was featured at the International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, Marina del Rey Film Festival, and Los Angeles Independent Filmmakers Showcase. According to a press release, Moss will "shape the film's creative direction and work with Tongal to create opportunities for members of her community and emerging filmmakers to participate throughout the development process via Tongal's platform."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jToGymS2WGU

In that same press release, James DeJulio, CEO and Co-Founder of Tongal said, "Jeff the Killer was born from internet culture, so it feels right to develop the film alongside the creators and fans who understand why the character has remained part of the cultural zeitgeist," before adding, "Tongal was built on the belief that great creative ideas can come from anywhere, and that by decentralizing the development process, the best ideas and talent can rise to the top without being limited by traditional Hollywood gatekeepers."

Jeff the Killer's concept originated in October 2008. Someone with the username "Sesseur" posted a story on YouTube about Jeff the Killer, who "accidently spilled a bucket of acid on this face while trying to clean his bathtub." Later that month, the username "killerjeff" started roleplaying as the character and posting about some of his lore. Within the various stories, Jeff the Killer is depicted as a 13-year-old boy who goes on a killing spree after being burned by bullies. He's known for whispering the phrase "go to sleep,' before murdering his victims.