Rooster Teeth founders Matt Hullum and Burnie Burns are reuniting for a Christmas horror movie. Titled ‘Bad Toys’, the horror-comedy will be written and directed by Matt Hullum, and executive produced by Burnie Burns.
The movie is inspired by “medieval Christmas folklore,” and is about a mischievous elf who brings people what they want when they’re nice, but makes them regret it when they’re naughty.
Pre-production is scheduled to begin early next year, with the movie tentatively expected around Christmastime 2027.
About ‘Bad Toys’, writer-director Matt Hullum said, “I began researching ancient elf lore, mostly Scandinavian, and discovered that there is a rich and bizarre history of mischievous and even deadly elves spanning back centuries. ‘Bad Toys’ is my take on turning those spooky old fairy tales into a modern-day holiday adventure… and an excuse to reunite with some of my Rooster Teeth family and our millions of fans from YouTube and around the world.”
Rooster Teeth started in 2003, with Matt Hullum and Burnie Burns as two of the entertainment company’s founding members. Their first production was the machinima comedy web series Red vs. Blue. As the company grew, they were eventually acquired by other studios. Rooster Teeth continued to run until 2024 when they closed down. In 2025, Burnie Burns (who had left the company in 2019) bought back the rights to Rooster Teeth.
Burns said, “The moment I heard Matt was launching a new project, I jumped at the opportunity to collaborate again. It’s always an honor to work together, and I can’t wait to help bring his creative vision for ‘Bad Toys’ to the screen.”
