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Daily Read: Cinema

Rooster Teeth Co‑Founders Team Up for New Christmas Horror‑Comedy

Matt Hullum and Burnie Burns, the co‑founders of Rooster Teeth, are collaborating on a new Christmas horror‑comedy called "Bad Toys." Hullum will write and direct the film while Burns serves as executive producer, with Flatiron Pictures’ Suzanne Weinert producing. The story draws on medieval Christmas elf folklore, asking what happens when a mischievous elf grants wishes that backfire for naughty children. Production is slated to begin in early 2027, with a theatrical release scheduled for Christmas 2027. The project marks a reunion for the duo, who first launched Rooster Teeth in 2003 and later revived the brand after buying it back from Warner Bros. in 2025. Hullum explained that his research into Scandinavian elf lore inspired the film’s spooky yet playful tone. Burns expressed excitement about re‑collaborating, noting the opportunity to bring Hullum’s vision to the screen. The film is expected to appeal to Rooster Teeth’s large YouTube fan base and holiday moviegoers alike.

· Variety

The essential points

  1. 01Hullum writes and directs; Burns executive produces; Flatiron’s Suzanne Weinert produces "Bad Toys"
  2. 02The film is inspired by medieval Christmas elf folklore and explores a mischievous elf’s wish‑granting consequences
  3. 03Pre‑production begins early 2027, with a theatrical release planned for Christmas 2027
  4. 04Rooster Teeth was revived in 2025 after Burns bought it back from Warner Bros., bringing the founders back together
The full brief

Matt Hullum and Burnie Burns, the co‑founders of Rooster Teeth, are collaborating on a new Christmas horror‑comedy called "Bad Toys." Hullum will write and direct the film while Burns serves as executive producer, with Flatiron Pictures’ Suzanne Weinert producing. The story draws on medieval Christmas elf folklore, asking what happens when a mischievous elf grants wishes that backfire for naughty children.

Production is slated to begin in early 2027, with a theatrical release scheduled for Christmas 2027. The project marks a reunion for the duo, who first launched Rooster Teeth in 2003 and later revived the brand after buying it back from Warner Bros. in 2025.

Hullum explained that his research into Scandinavian elf lore inspired the film’s spooky yet playful tone. Burns expressed excitement about re‑collaborating, noting the opportunity to bring Hullum’s vision to the screen. The film is expected to appeal to Rooster Teeth’s large YouTube fan base and holiday moviegoers alike.