‘Skibidi Toilet’ Film and TV Franchise in the Works From Michael Bay, Adam Goodman — Listen to the Exclusive Interview

As a seasoned movie buff with decades of immersion in the world of cinema, I find the rise of digital-native IP attempting to cross over into Hollywood both intriguing and somewhat disconcerting. Having witnessed the evolution of media consumption patterns and production trends throughout my life, I’ve grown accustomed to the established norms that govern the film industry.


The popular digital creation “Skibidi Toilet” might expand its presence beyond short videos and games into the realm of long-form content in the future.

Michael Bay and Adam Goodman, the duo behind the popular animated internet controversy, are working on bringing Skibidi to TV and movies. They recently shared their plans during an interview on the latest episode of EbMaster’s “Strictly Business” podcast.

https://omny.fm/shows/strictly-business/skibidi-toilet-inside-the-internet-phenomenons-hol/embed

“Currently, we’re actively discussing matters on television and the initial film projects. However, these discussions don’t signify a final decision for us.”

Goodman’s proposal to transfer Skibidi IP to TV or film reflects the vast following this property has gained on YouTube and Roblox, platforms where significant monetization potential exists. According to recent data from EbMaster Intelligence Platform, the audience expansion for all things related to Skibidi has been remarkable.

On February 7, 2023, Alexey Gerasimov posted a 11-second video titled “skibidi toilet” on his YouTube channel DaFuq!?Boom! The clip showed a head singing while emerging from a toilet. Unknowingly, the 23-year-old Georgian native had initiated a significant cultural movement.

Over time, Skibidi transformed into over 70 short stories, each lasting between 1 and 5 minutes, portraying the relentlessly escalating conflict between Toilets and Cyborgs. Every video is filled with intense action and violence, lacking any distinguishable dialogue. These elements have attracted a global fanbase, earning it the title of a unique cultural symbol that Generation Alpha can proudly claim as their own.

A seasoned film industry figure like Goodman, who co-runs the “Tra-digital” independent studio Invisible Narratives with Bay, finds Gerasimov’s creation of Skibidi intriguing. It holds promise comparable to his past experiences in bringing iconic characters to life on the big screen. “He’s developing something that could be the next blockbuster hit akin to ‘Transformers,’ or it could grow into its own Marvel-like universe,” Goodman shared.

When Skibidi transforms into real-life merchandise this autumn, the licensing agreement that brought the internet sensation to stores in May sparked surprise due to Invisible Narratives’ participation.

However, it was not mentioned back then that Michael Bay, the director of Transformers, was only playing around with branded action figures and puzzles. Instead, he was collaborating closely with Gerasimov on creating content.

“Uncovering the Shift: How Social Video Reshapes U.S. Television Preferences” (A VIP+ Exclusive)

Michael Beecroft, who’s been Michael’s long-term production designer and a frequent collaborator in all his films, has been closely working with Alexey. They aim to elevate the behind-the-scenes aspects of this project, ensuring it’s ready for potential film or television productions, going beyond what creators usually have online resources for. (Goodman’s statement paraphrased)

Goodman mentioned that there are ongoing talks with unnamed studios or companies about creating a unique blend of animation and live-action for Skibidi. He described this potential project as having a style reminiscent of films like “John Wick” and “District 9”.

If a collaborator shares our conviction that this project has great potential for expansion and enhanced storytelling, then producing films and TV shows could be a logical next step for us.

If Skibidi manages to make the transition to multiple channels and streaming platforms, it will become the most recent instance of popular digital intellectual property trying to capitalize on its following outside of the initial online platform.

Many popular social media brands, such as MrBeast from YouTube and Cocomelon, are expanding their reach into Hollywood. MrBeast has secured a TV deal with Amazon, while Cocomelon is moving to theaters with Universal Pictures. This trend of successful self-made brands exploring Hollywood is growing more common.

On August 16th, the following movie test takes place. The beloved children’s production, “Ryan’s World the Movie: Titan Universe Adventure,” will be shown on over 2,000 screens across the country, without going through the traditional studio system – similar to last year’s Taylor Swift concert film distribution method.

An intriguing twist, Goodman shared, is that Invisible Narratives employs an unconventional approach by permitting numerous YouTube creators to produce their own videos loosely connected to the brand, instead of suppressing unauthorized works. This tactic reportedly boosts the influence of the brand. (For VIP+ members, here’s a list of all the YouTube channels in the Skibidi Alliance – check it out by clicking the link below.)

VIP+ Analysis: Flushing Out Audience Data on the Internet Phenomenon That Is ‘Skibidi Toilet’

Goodman expressed that this situation is unique compared to previous projects we’ve handled. Instead of sending takedown notices and protecting our intellectual property (IP) ourselves, we are adopting a new strategy. We encourage creators to use our IP, as long as their work falls within certain boundaries set by us.

Roblox, a popular online platform with a large Gen Alpha following, is home to numerous fan-created games inspired by “Skibidi Toilet.” For example, “Skibidi Toilet Tycoon” has amassed over 75 million plays in just eleven months, while “Skibidi Toilet Multiverse” recorded ten million plays within its first year.

Many people have written extensively trying to understand why Skibidi Toilet became so popular so quickly. Some view it as a disturbing show that raises ethical concerns, while others believe it is a reflection of the negative effects of excessive internet use.

However, don’t underestimate the impact of Skibidi: it has become a cultural phenomenon. You can find fan artwork on Pinterest, handcrafted merchandise on Etsy, and even fan-written stories on Wattpad.

As a passionate cinemagoer and animated series enthusiast, I’ve been thrilled to witness YouTube’s recent boom in hosting promising new animated projects. For instance, “The Amazing Digital Circus” has captured everyone’s attention with its innovative Skibidi series, which just sealed its licensing deal this week. Similarly, the Minecraft-inspired creations by the talented YouTuber Bravura have left an indelible mark on viewers.

As a movie reviewer, I’d put it this way: “Every week, I tune in to ‘Strictly Business’ with EbMaster. It’s a captivating podcast where industry gurus share their insights on the media and entertainment business. New episodes drop every Wednesday, so be sure to catch them on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or SoundCloud.”

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2024-07-24 18:17