Warner Bros. Closes RWBY and Gen:LOCK’s Rooster Teeth Studio

Warner Bros. Shuts Down Rooster Teeth

Warner Bros. has decided to shut down Rooster Teeth, leaving several beloved animated series, including Michael B Jordan’s Gen:Lock, the legendary Red vs. Blue, and the anime-inspired RWBY, in a state of uncertainty.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Rooster Teeth is being closed after multiple failed attempts to find a buyer for the company. The news was confirmed by Rooster Teeth’s general manager, Jordan Levin, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, causing concern and disappointment for its roughly 150 full-time employees, content creators, and voice actors involved in its series.

Statement from Warner Bros. Discovery

A statement from Warner Bros. Discovery reads, “Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) expresses gratitude to Rooster Teeth’s innovative creators and partners, and the strong management team, for their years of success. Your dedicated and loyal fans are a testament to your accomplishments.”

A memo obtained by Variety includes Levin’s message to employees: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the closure of Rooster Teeth due to the challenges digital media is facing as a result of fundamental shifts in consumer behavior and monetization across platforms, advertising, and patronage. Our legacy is more than just a collection of content; it’s a history of pixels etched into our screens, minds, and hearts.” For years, WBD attempted to make the company profitable by launching events and merchandise and implementing layoffs.

Rooster Teeth Seeks Buyers for RWBY, Gen:Lock, and Red vs. Blue

Among Rooster Teeth’s legacy of over 20 years is RWBY, frequently cited as one of the most notable Western tributes to anime. CBR’s 10 Best Western Cartoons For Anime Fans includes the series alongside well-known titles such as Samurai Jack, Teen Titans, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. While the franchise’s future is uncertain, it is not currently destined for the same fate as Warner’s Coyote vs. Acme, as the company is actively seeking buyers for RWBY, Gen:Lock, and Red vs. Blue.

Continuing Layoffs in the Entertainment Industry

The layoffs at Rooster Teeth are part of a worrying trend in the entertainment industry. Warner is often at the center of layoffs, but it is not alone. Epic Games laid off 800 staff late last year, and there are growing concerns that Sony’s deal to manage Disney’s home distribution could lead to similar layoffs.

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