Rooster Teeth Founders Reunite for Christmas Horror Film

Rooster Teeth co-founders Matt Hullum and Burnie Burns have reunited to develop a new Christmas horror-comedy film titled "Bad Toys." Hullum is attached to write and direct the project, with Burns serving as an executive producer. The film is currently in development, and an official description states that "Bad Toys" draws inspiration from "medieval Christmas elf folklore." The premise explores the concept of a mischievous Christmas elf bringing undesirable gifts or consequences to recipients. This collaboration marks a significant reunion for the duo, who were instrumental in establishing Rooster Teeth, a pioneering internet production company known for its animated series and gaming content, which was acquired by Warner Bros. Discovery in 2022. The development of "Bad Toys" signals a new creative venture for Hullum and Burns outside of their established roles at Rooster Teeth, though specific details regarding the film's plot beyond its folkloric inspiration and genre remain under wraps. The project aims to blend the festive themes of Christmas with the darker, more unsettling elements characteristic of the horror genre, a combination that has seen success in various media. Further information regarding casting, production timelines, and potential distribution partners is expected to be announced as the development progresses. The involvement of Hullum as writer-director and Burns as executive producer suggests a hands-on approach from the founders in bringing this new cinematic vision to life. The film's title, "Bad Toys," hints at a potentially dark and satirical take on holiday traditions and the commercialization of Christmas, where the "toys" themselves might be the source of terror rather than joy. This venture into feature filmmaking represents a new chapter for the creators, who have a long history of producing content for digital platforms. The inspiration from "medieval Christmas elf folklore" suggests a potential for unique world-building and character design, moving beyond typical contemporary interpretations of holiday characters. The horror-comedy genre allows for a balance of scares and humor, appealing to a broad audience interested in unconventional holiday entertainment. The announcement of "Bad Toys" has generated interest among fans of Rooster Teeth and those who follow the careers of its founders, anticipating a project that reflects their distinctive creative sensibilities. The film's development is a testament to the enduring creative partnership between Hullum and Burns, who are venturing into a new medium with a distinct genre focus. The project's early stage of development means that many details are still to be finalized, but the core concept and the creative team behind it have been established. The film's potential to offer a fresh perspective on Christmas-themed horror is a key element of its early appeal. The collaboration between Hullum and Burns on "Bad Toys" highlights their continued influence and creative drive within the entertainment industry, even as Rooster Teeth operates under new ownership. The specific folklore elements are expected to be a unique selling point, differentiating "Bad Toys" from other holiday-themed horror films. The project's genre blend of horror and comedy is a popular niche, offering opportunities for both suspense and levity. The reunion of the Rooster Teeth founders for this film project is a notable event for their long-time audience and the broader online content creation community.