The internet horror legend Jeff the Killer is officially making the jump from computer screens to the big screen. A feature film based on the famous creepypasta character is now in development. The project comes from Tongal, a creator-led studio, and Savanah Moss, a TikTok creator and filmmaker with over 11.4 million followers.
This announcement arrives as Hollywood continues to turn viral online horror stories into movies. The success of films like Backrooms and Obsession has opened the door for more internet-born nightmares to reach theaters.
What Is Jeff the Killer?
Jeff the Killer first appeared on the internet in 2008. The character started as an edited image of a person with a white face, hollow black eyes, dark hair, and a permanent carved smile showing exposed red gums.
Over time, internet users built a story around this disturbing image. The most common version describes a 13-year-old boy who becomes a serial killer after bullies disfigure his face. The character became one of the most well-known figures in creepypasta culture, alongside other internet horror legends. His catchphrase, “Go to sleep,” became famous among fans who read and shared the stories online.
Who Is Making the Jeff the Killer Movie?
Savanah Moss is producing the film and helping shape its creative direction. She is known for her “Fever Dream” videos on TikTok, which mix horror, comedy, and surreal visual effects. Moss also wrote, co-directed, and starred in the horror short Funny Bunny, which was selected for multiple film festivals.
Moss is working with Tongal, a studio that connects businesses with a network of over 160,000 independent creators. Tongal has worked on projects for Netflix, Disney, and Pharrell Williams’ Piece by Piece.
Joining Moss as producers are Mark Korshak (Incoming, Peppermint, The Age of Adaline) and Michael McKay (Peppermint, The Age of Adaline, In Our Blood).
The movie does not yet have a director, cast, or release date.
Why Is This Movie Happening Now?
The push to adapt Jeff the Killer follows the enormous success of other internet horror movies.
Backrooms, directed by Kane Parsons, was released in 2026 and made nearly $395 million worldwide on a budget of just $10 million. It became A24’s highest-grossing movie.
Another hit, Obsession, directed by Curry Barker, turned a $900,000 budget into $488 million at the box office.
These successes have made Hollywood studios eager to find the next viral horror property to adapt. Other internet horror stories like Siren Head and The Mandela Catalogue are also being developed into films.
Savanah Moss Shares Her Connection to Jeff the Killer
Savanah Moss has a personal connection to the character she is now helping bring to the big screen.
“I grew up reading Jeff the Killer and all of the creepypasta horror stories, so there’s definitely a nostalgic connection for me. I’ve even used Jeff in some of my ‘Fever Dream’ videos in the past, so it’s crazy to fast-forward to now and actually have the opportunity to help turn this character into a feature film.”
Moss wants to do more than just repeat the original creepypasta story.
“I don’t just want to recreate the creepypasta — I want to make Jeff feel terrifyingly real.”
She also spoke about why the character has remained popular for so long.
“What I’ve always loved about Jeff is how much of the character was built by the internet. Jeff stuck with people and became an internet icon. Now, there are so many different versions of his story from people adding to it and reimagining it throughout the years.”
Fans Can Help Design the Movie’s Version of Jeff
One of the most interesting aspects of this project is how the filmmakers are involving the public.
Tongal has opened a public call for creators around the world to submit character concepts. The project has a total fund of $2,750, with selected submissions receiving $300 each and honorable mentions receiving $50 each.
The submission period runs until August 24, 2026. Instead of asking for complete scripts or movie pitches, the call specifically asks for interpretations of what Jeff the Killer could look like on screen.
“We have this unique opportunity to take the character everyone knows and loves and create a truly terrifying, grounded horror film, while still staying true to Jeff’s origin.”
Moss added that she wants to open the design process to fans because the character was never owned by one person.
“One of the coolest things about Jeff is that he’s never really belonged to one person. His story has evolved because thousands of people online have added their own ideas, theories, and interpretations over the years.”
What Tongal’s CEO Says About the Project
James DeJulio, CEO and Co-Founder of Tongal, explained why the character is a perfect fit for their studio’s approach.
“First, Jeff the Killer ‘jump scare’ has to be in the hall of fame of internet folklore. Second, the story and ambiguity around the original photo, and the ‘Is it real’ history, lent itself perfectly to working with both the fanbase and our filmmaking community to turn it into a feature.”
DeJulio also emphasized the studio’s commitment to involving creators from the start.
“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. 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.”
What This Means for Internet Horror
The Jeff the Killer movie is part of a larger shift in the horror genre. Young creators who built audiences on social media platforms are now being given opportunities to make feature films.
Kane Parsons, who made Backrooms, started by posting horror videos on YouTube. Curry Barker, who made Obsession, followed a similar path. Both are now working on major studio projects.
Savanah Moss is following in their footsteps. Her large TikTok following and experience making horror-comedy content made her a natural choice to lead this project.
The movie will be Tongal’s first original feature-length horror film.
Related:
What We Still Don’t Know About the Jeff the Killer Movie
While the announcement has generated a lot of excitement, many details remain unknown.
No director has been announced for the project. The cast has not been revealed. A release date has not been set.
The film is currently in the early development stage. More information about the project and additional creative opportunities are expected to be announced in the coming months.
For more updates on horror movies, entertainment news, and the latest from Hollywood, stay connected with VvipTimes.
Leave a Reply