Tim Burton may have brought Beetlejuice back to life with his recent hit sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, but the filmmaker is adamant about leaving some of his other beloved classics untouched. Speaking at the Marrakech International Film Festival, Burton shared his thoughts on revisiting past projects and ruled out sequels to some of his most iconic films, including Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
“There are certain films I don’t want to make a sequel to,” Burton said during a Q&A session (via IndieWire). “I didn’t want to make a sequel to [Edward Scissorhands] because it felt like a one-off thing. 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.”
While fans may lament the lack of follow-ups, Burton’s philosophy underscores his belief in preserving the integrity of his original works, allowing them to stand as timeless, self-contained stories.
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp: A Creative Partnership Poised for Revival?
Although Burton is hesitant to revisit Edward Scissorhands, his creative partnership with Johnny Depp, who starred in the 1990 film, remains a possibility. Depp, who has been a frequent collaborator with Burton, last worked with the director on 2012’s Dark Shadows. Their storied partnership includes films like Ed Wood (1994), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Corpse Bride (2005), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), and Alice in Wonderland (2010).
When asked if another project with Depp might be in the cards, Burton responded with optimism: “Well, I’m sure there will be.”
However, Burton emphasized that casting decisions stem from the needs of the project. “I never feel like, oh, I’m going to use this and that actor,” he explained. “It usually has to be based on the project I’m working on. That’s what film is all about. It’s collaboration and bouncing ideas off the people around you.”
For Depp, who has faced challenges in recent years but is gradually rebuilding his career, another collaboration with Burton could mark a significant turning point. With upcoming projects like The Carnival at the End of Days and Day Drinker, Depp is making a slow return to high-profile roles, and a reunion with Burton would undoubtedly reignite the magic of their creative partnership.
The Success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
While Burton may leave Edward Scissorhands untouched, his return to the world of Beetlejuice has proven to be a masterstroke. Released in September 2024, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice reunited Burton with original stars Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara, while introducing fresh faces to the franchise.
The sequel became an instant box office hit, earning $110 million in its domestic opening weekend—the second-largest September debut of all time—and surpassing $450 million globally. Critics and audiences embraced the film, which boasts a 76% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a B+ CinemaScore.
In an interview with Variety, Burton reflected on the emotional process of revisiting Beetlejuice 35 years after the original. “I had no idea to do a sequel—again, this is before the time where those things were talked about,” he said. “But to revisit it now was nice, because Lydia was a character that I always felt strongly about. What happens to people 35 years later? Where do they go? What’s their journey?”
Burton credited the sequel’s success to both the returning cast and the new additions, noting the emotional and creative synergy on set. “It was just very strange but beautiful,” he said of working with Keaton, Ryder, and O’Hara again. “And with the new cast, it felt emotional but it also felt new.”
Why Some Stories Stay in the Past
Despite the positive reception of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Burton remains resolute about not revisiting certain films. His reasoning is rooted in the nature of the stories themselves. For Burton, films like Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas were designed to stand alone, capturing a specific vision that doesn’t require further exploration.
“Certain things are best left on their own,” Burton reiterated. “That, for me, is one of them.” His comments suggest a deep respect for the creative integrity of his earlier works, even as he continues to explore new ideas and worlds.
What’s Next for Tim Burton?
- “Tim Burton Rules Out Reboot with Johnny Depp, Releases Firm Statement”
fans are eager to see what the filmmaker has in store next. While he has remained tight-lipped about upcoming projects, Burton has hinted at his ongoing passion for collaboration and storytelling. Whether through reuniting with past collaborators like Depp or diving into entirely new worlds, Burton’s next project is sure to capture his signature blend of whimsy and macabre.
For now, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice serves as a reminder of Burton’s enduring talent and his ability to balance nostalgia with fresh creative energy. As for Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas, their legacy remains untouched, preserved as masterpieces in their own right.
