Production of the "Skibidi Toilet" film under Michael Bay has begun

Whether every internet phenomenon really needs to be made into a movie is open to debate. What initially sounded like a bad joke is now actually taking shape: The production of a "Skibidi Toilet" movie under Michael Bay has officially started.

But Bay is not alone: other prominent figures from the film industry are working alongside him, including Oscar-nominated production designer Jeffrey Beecroft, known for "12 Monkeys". Three-time Oscar-winning VFX specialist Rob Legato will be responsible for the special effects of the "Skibidi Toilet" film. According to CBR, we can expect a project with "characteristic visual intensity" – whatever that means in this context.

The origins of the "Skibidi" phenomenon are as curious as they are viral: it all started with a short clip in which a head rotates in a toilet while belting out a mixture of well-known songs. The quirky aesthetics and absurd humor struck a chord with the young target group in particular – the video was clicked millions of times. This developed into an entire YouTube series with over 75 episodes. The plot? A bizarrely chaotic story about toilets with human heads at war with creatures with camera or TV heads.

How this Dadaist concept can be turned into a coherent feature film remains to be seen – but that is precisely what makes the project so exciting. It is still unclear when the film will be released and which stars may be involved.

From memes to the big screen: when internet phenomena find their way into the movies

In the digital era, trends, characters and entire narrative worlds are often no longer created in film studios, but on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok or Reddit. What begins as a short clip, meme or fan project can reach millions of people – and arouse the interest of major film studios. Internet phenomena are increasingly becoming the starting point for elaborate cinema or streaming productions. What used to be ridiculed is now serious material for the entertainment industry.

From creepypasta to movie template

One well-known example is Slender Man. The slim, faceless figure with long arms emerged from an internet forum and developed into one of the best-known horror figures of the 2010s. Originally part of a Photoshop competition, stories and images of the mysterious creature spread rapidly online – especially in so-called "creepypastas", i.e. creepy short stories. A horror film of the same name was finally released in 2018, but received mixed reviews. Nevertheless, "Slender Man" remains a prime example of how an internet myth can transcend media boundaries. The video game of the same name also drew attention to the horror figure.

From Reddit post to Netflix hit

Reddit – the platform for everything from cat pictures to complex discussions – has also provided material for films. Probably the best-known adaptation is "The GameStop Saga", also known as "Dumb Money". This is the true story of the Reddit community "r/wallstreetbets", which shook Wall Street with collectively coordinated share purchases. The case was not only a financial scandal, but also a pop culture event – born out of internet culture. The film was released in cinemas in 2023 and showed how profoundly online movements can affect the real world.

TikTok, YouTube & co. – talent hotbeds of the new generation

Not only content, but also people themselves have become movie stars thanks to the internet. Numerous influencers and content creators who became famous on platforms such as TikTok or YouTube are now finding roles in series and films or producing their own projects. Just think of Emma Chamberlain, Addison Rae or Marques Brownlee, who are now present in traditional media.

TikTok trends also often serve as inspiration for new film material. The dance hype surrounding certain songs, viral challenges or fan fiction content is increasingly being taken up by studios. One prominent example is the planned "Addison Rae" film, which put the TikTok celebrity in the Hollywood spotlight.

The future: more than just a gimmick?

The filming of internet phenomena shows: Digital culture has long been an integral part of the entertainment industry. But not every viral idea is suitable for the big screen. Many projects fail due to flat scripts or the attempt to squeeze short-lived trends into a long-term format. Nevertheless, what works online has enormous creative potential – provided you recognize the core of the fascination and tell a story that also works outside the Internet.

Whether it's a toilet with singing or faceless horror figures: The cinema of the future will no longer just be born in studios, but also in commentary columns, livestreams and viral loops. The question is no longer whether, but how well this will be realized.