Despite how enormously popular The Nightmare Before Christmas was, Tim Burton has made clear he’ll never work with Disney again.
While the Walt Disney Company is all things magical and fantastical, when it comes to entertainment, it is, at its core, fundamentally a Hollywood studio. So when it comes to figuring out which movies it would like to make and how it wants to make those movies, more often than not, it’s a business decision.
However, that incentive can often be at odds with the feelings of auteurs and filmmakers who want to work on their craft. In Tim Burton’s case, Disney’s monopoly feels so pervasive and overwhelming that he has said he never wants to work with them again.
Is There a ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Live-action Remake In The Works?
Recently, a rumor has been making the rounds that a live-action remake of the classic Halloween movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas, is in the works. While this is certainly a possibility that would make many a Disney fan very happy, the unfortunate truth is that may not actually be the case.
Read More: Is Disney Making a Live Action Remake of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’?
However, in the past, with many rumors, fans have held out hope that even if the rumor wasn’t coming to pass immediately, it would eventually become a reality. This time, though, it seems unlikely that we’ll ever get a live-action remake or even a sequel to the movie.
Tim Burton Closes the Door to Working with Disney
In 2022, Tim Burton made clear in no uncertain terms that he would never work with the Mouse House again. While speaking at the Lumiere Festival in France, he explained, “It’s gotten to be very homogenized, very consolidated. There’s less room for different types of things.”
It’s no secret that Tim Burton has a signature style and a way in which he likes to make movies and cinema. Considering the strict brand that Disney has to adhere to—family-friendly, for everyone—Burton’s movies decidedly are a tad more polarizing than Disney might be comfortable with.
In recent years, Disney has also become much larger than it has ever historically been. As it becomes more global and its audience becomes more diverse, the studio has to be able to cater to them. For these reasons, it seems apparent that a Tim Burton x Walt Disney Company collaboration may never happen again.
This said, many fans will live in the hope of seeing their favorite Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington, back in a new, improved form, especially since the IP is one Disney thoroughly uses during Halloween at the Walt Disney World Resort during the parades and Halloween festivities.
Haunted Mansion Holiday, the iconic retheme of the Disney Park staple, even features Jack Skellington welcoming guests, a fan-favorite addition.
More on Tim Burton & ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’
Tim Burton—Timothy Walter Burton—is a renowned American filmmaker, animator, and artist, who is known for pioneering goth culture in the film industry. Burton started his career at Walt Disney Productions as an animator, though he was fired briefly, for his movies not fitting the Disney vibe.
Some of his most famous works include Edward Scissorhands and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp, Corpse Bride, and more.
The Nightmare Before Christmas was directed by Henry Selick. Danny Elfman wrote the songs and score for the film. He also sang for the character of Jack Skellington. The main voice cast also included Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, and Ken Page, among a larger cast.
The moment I read the words ‘Disney’ and ‘improved’ within a few words of each-other, I get the worst of goosebumps!!!!
Yeah, been a mega-fan since NBC’s release and I think I speak for all fans when I say, WE DON’T WANT A LIVE ACTION OR SEQUEL!