In a surprising turn of events, Rooster Teeth, the beloved entertainment studio known for its fandom, gaming, and comedy content, has been given a new lease on life. Nearly a year ago, the company’s parent, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), announced its plans to shut down Rooster Teeth after failing to find a buyer. The studio, which had been operating at a loss, seemed destined for closure. However, in a heartfelt and unexpected move, Burnie Burns, one of Rooster Teeth’s original co-founders, has stepped in to save the brand. Through his independent company, Box Canyon Productions, Burns has acquired the Rooster Teeth brand, its website, and social media channels, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the iconic studio.
Burns, who co-founded Rooster Teeth back in 2003, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “I am excited at the challenge of bringing Rooster Teeth back to its roots.” He emphasized that the brand’s heart has always been its fans and that he looks forward to writing a new chapter together. While the financial details of the sale remain undisclosed, WBD confirmed the deal, and Box Canyon Productions has made it clear that the brand’s focus will once again be on innovation, community engagement, and creativity—the very principles that defined Rooster Teeth’s success in its early days.
For those unfamiliar with Rooster Teeth’s history, the studio was a pioneer in online video entertainment. It first gained widespread recognition with its groundbreaking sci-fi spoof series Red vs. Blue, which became the longest-running web series in history. Over the years, the company expanded its offerings, producing hit shows like the anime-inspired RWBY, the gaming-focused series Achievement Hunter, and the fan-favorite convention series RTX. However, after nearly two decades of operation, Rooster Teeth faced significant challenges, including financial struggles that ultimately led to its shutdown in 2024.
Burnie Burns, who had left Rooster Teeth in 2020 and relocated to Scotland, has now returned to the helm of the brand he helped create. With Box Canyon Productions, he aims to revive Rooster Teeth’s original mission: to entertain, inspire, and connect with its audience. As part of this effort, Box Canyon has announced a new development slate for 2025, which includes the reboot of some of Rooster Teeth’s classic shows, a new original audio adventure titled Again, and a reimagining of Burns’ first film, The Schedule. Fans can also expect fresh content that aligns with the studio’s legacy of innovation and storytelling.
In a heartfelt video shared on Rooster Teeth’s YouTube channel, Burns symbolically marked his return to the brand by visiting what appears to be the company’s offices in Austin, Texas. The video begins with Burns entering a dark, empty studio, only to flip on the lights and humorously exclaim, “What the hell happened?!” The lighthearted moment encapsulates the spirit of renewal and humor that Rooster Teeth is known for, giving fans hope that the brand’s best days may still be ahead.
Burns founded Box Canyon Productions in 2023 with a focus on innovative storytelling and high-quality content across various media platforms. In addition to its work in reviving Rooster Teeth, the company has also launched a podcast titled Morning Somewhere, co-hosted by Burns and his wife, Ashley. In a recent episode of the podcast, the couple discussed the acquisition of Rooster Teeth, clarifying that the deal includes the brand, website, and social media channels but not all of its shows. Certain series, such as Funhaus, Achievement Hunter, and RWBY, were either sold to other companies or retained by their creators. Despite this, Burns has assured fans that the long-term plan is to revive classic Rooster Teeth shows and develop new content, with a production slate set to launch by summer 2025.
In summary, Rooster Teeth’s acquisition by Box Canyon Productions marks a triumphant return for a brand that has left an indelible mark on the world of online entertainment. With Burnie Burns back at the helm, the studio is poised to reconnect with its roots and reignite the spark that made it a fan favorite. While there is much work to be done, the announcement has already sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to see what the future holds for this beloved brand. As Burns himself put it, “There is a lot of work in front of us,” but with a renewed focus on creativity, community, and innovation, Rooster Teeth is ready to embark on its next chapter.
