Every single movie under the sun might be getting a sequel/prequel/reboot, butTim Burtonsays he’s never returning to his most beloved Christmas movie. Burton was back in theaters earlier this year with the long-awaitedBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, which saw Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara return, along with newcomer Jenna Ortega. The film was a box office hit, but divided fans and critics. But the Tim Burton fandom is still strong, and audiences have been desperate for more Jack Skellington and Sally sinceA Nightmare Before Christmaswas released in 1993.
Appearing at the Marrakech International Film Festival (viaIndieWire),Tim Burton definitively ruled out any chances ofA Nightmare Before Christmasgetting a sequel in the future.“There are certain films I don’t want to make a sequel to,” the director said. The topic of sequels was undoubtedly on everyone’s minds followingBeetlejuice Beetlejuice’s success. But, the director revealed the recent movie was probably a one-off, rather than the new status quo for him.He first ruled out a sequel toEdward Scissorhands,starring Johnny Depp, as"it felt like a one-off thing.“He continued:
“I didn’t want to have a sequel for The Nightmare Before Christmas because it also felt like a one-off thing. Certain things are best left on their own and that for me is one of them.”
Released in 1993,A Nightmare Before Christmasblendsall the trappings of a holiday moviewith Burton’s signature style. Fans have long debated if the movie should be watched at Halloween or Christmas (or the in-between period). The movie stars Danny Elfman, Catherine O’Hara, Chris Sarandon, Ken Page, Paul Reubens, Glenn Shadix, and Greg Proops. Elfman plays Jack Skellington, a respected resident of Halloween Town, who discovers a secret portal to Christmas Town.
Tim Burton Didn’t Direct ‘A Nightmare Before Christmas’, Actually
Fans laudA Nightmare Before Christmasas one of Tim Burton’s all-time great movies. But, Burton never sat in the director’s chair for the film.A Nightmare Before Christmaswas directedby stop-motion legend Henry Selick (Coraline,James and the Giant PeachandWendell & Wild). Tim Burton co-wrote the movie with Caroline Thompson and Michael McDowell, and served as an executive producer on the film.
Given the movie’s tone and style, it’s an easy assumption to make, especially with the addition of long-time Tim Burton collaborator, Danny Elfman. But, while Selick was directingA Nightmare Before Christmas, Tim Burton would have been hard at work on one of his greatest films,Batman Returns. The sequel brought Danny DeVito’s Oswald Cobblepot to the big screen, with Michael Keaton returning as Batman.
Chance of Johnny Depp and Tim Burton’s Future Collaboration Gets a Positive Outlook
Fans waiting for the pair to make another film together may not have to wait much longer.
Tim Burton’s next movie remains a mystery. Following the poor reception to 2019’sDumbo, Burton said he considered retiring. But,the idea forBeetlejuice Beetlejuicebrought him back for one more movie. While he might not have his next feature lined up, Burton is making a new home on TV. Tim Burton directed four episodes ofWednesdaySeason 1, and is back to direct another four of Season 2. The new season brings back Jenna Ortega as the titular Wednesday Addams. No official release date has been announced. But, fans are speculating Season 2 will be released sometime in late 2025.
