Amidst its omnipresence as digital video snippets and games, "Skibidi Toilet" seems destined for an even grander stage as long-form content. This controversial animated internet darling is now being crafted for television and cinematic glory by the hands of renowned director Michael Bay and former Paramount Pictures president Adam Goodman. In an exclusive interview for the latest episode of Variety's "Strictly Business" podcast, the duo shed light on their ambitions for Skibidi.
"We are actively discussing its potential on television and are in the initial stages of exploring film opportunities," Goodman revealed. "However, this is not our sole focus." The mere consideration of bringing Skibidi's IP to TV and film screens is a testament to the mammoth audience it has amassed on platforms like YouTube and Roblox, where monetization opportunities are vast.
A recent data analysis by the Variety Intelligence Platform underscores the staggering growth of Skibidi's audience. It all started with an 11-second video uploaded by Alexey Gerasimov to his YouTube channel "DaFuq!?Boom!" on February 7, 2023, titled "skibidi toilet." Little did he realize that this video, featuring a head emerging from a toilet singing, would spark a genuine cultural revolution.
Skibidi has evolved into a collection of over 70 mini-epics, ranging from one to five minutes each, depicting the never-ending battle between the Toilets and the Cyborgs. Each video is a spectacle of explosions, violence, and pure action — devoid of any discernible dialogue. These unique qualities have won it a global fanbase and established it as a true cultural icon of Generation Alpha.
For a film industry veteran like Goodman, who now helms Invisible Narratives, a "Tra-digital" independent studio alongside Bay, Skibidi represents a creative force that rivals even the most memorable characters he has shepherded to the silver screen. "He's creating something that could rival the likes of 'Transformers' or even rival a Marvel universe," he enthused.
When Skibidi transitions from digital to physical form this fall as merchandise, the licensing deal that will grace store shelves raised eyebrows due to Invisible Narratives' involvement. But it's now clear that Bay, the maestro behind "Transformers," is not just dabbling in branded toys and puzzle games; he's collaborating closely with Gerasimov to bring Skibidi's world to life in new, exciting ways.
"I must confess that Michael and Jeffrey Beecroft, his longstanding production designer and collaborator who has been by his side for every cinematic journey, have collaborated intimately with Alexey to elevate the technical backbone of this project to a professional level," said Goodman. "Our goal is to ensure that, should we ever embark on a film or television adventure, we surpass the limitations of internet-based resources." Although he remained tight-lipped about specific studios or entities in discussion, Goodman hinted at a hybrid animated/live-action version of Skibidi, reminiscent of the stylistic grandeur of 'John Wick' and 'District 9.' "If we find a partner who sees the immense potential for growth in this story, one who believes in its narrative expansion, then venturing into film and television seems like a natural next step," he emphasized.
If Skibidi makes its mark in cinemas or streaming platforms, it will mark yet another milestone for digital-native IPs who, after gaining massive online audiences, are cashing in beyond their original platforms. From YouTube sensation MrBeast securing a TV deal with Amazon to the top-ranked children's franchise Cocomelon gracing the big screens courtesy of Universal Pictures, it's becoming a rite of passage for elite self-made brands on social media to test the Hollywood waters. The next big test arrives on August 16, when 'Ryan's World the Movie: Titan Universe Adventure,' another beloved children's franchise, debuts on over 2,000 screens nationwide via PocketWatch Inc., bypassing the traditional studio system — a distribution strategy reminiscent of Taylor Swift's concert film last year.
Even more intriguing, Goodman disclosed that Invisible Narratives has a counterintuitive strategy that embraces the creativity of YouTube creators, allowing them to produce their own video content independently rather than clamping down on unauthorized works. This approach, he revealed, amplifies the brand's power and influence. (VIP+ subscribers can delve deeper into the YouTube channels comprising the Skibidi Alliance by clicking the link below.)
"This is indeed a departure from anything we've encountered before," Goodman emphasized. "Conventionally, we'd issue takedowns, vigilantly safeguarding our control. But in this scenario, we've embraced a novel approach. We encourage creators to toy with our IP. Our goal is to ensure that they operate within reason, adhering to our guidelines, while unleashing their creativity."
Roblox, an online sandbox platform captivating the hearts of Gen Alpha, boasts numerous fan-crafted games inspired by 'Skibidi Toilet.' Take 'Skibidi Toilet Tycoon' for instance, it garnered over 75 million plays in just 11 months, while 'Skibidi Toilet Multiverse' recorded 10 million plays in its inaugural year.
The internet has been abuzz with explanations for Skibidi Toilet's meteoric rise. Some label it a horror spectacle, fueling moral panic, while others attribute it to internet-induced cognitive decay. But let's be clear: Skibidi is a cultural phenomenon. Pinterest showcases fan art, Etsy offers fan-made merchandise, and Wattpad hosts fan fiction.
YouTube has emerged as a breeding ground for animated series with breakout potential, such as Skibidi. From 'The Amazing Digital Circus' that recently secured a licensing deal to YouTuber Bravura's Minecraft-driven creations, the platform is fostering creativity.
'Strictly Business,' Variety's weekly podcast, delves into conversations with industry titans, unpacking the intricacies of the media and entertainment business. Each Wednesday, a fresh episode awaits, available for download on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and SoundCloud.
