Tim Burton is a filmmaker who has created some of the most iconic films of the past several decades. Films like “Beetlejuice,” “Batman,” “Edward Scissorhands,” and even “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.” But you could make a case that his most popular and influential film of all time is “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” And interestingly enough, he didn’t even direct it. That said, decades after its release, people are still talking about ‘Nightmare’ as one of the classic holiday movies, with many begging for a sequel. Alas, if Burton has anything to say about it, there will never be a sequel or remake of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Speaking to Empire, Tim Burton talked about his love of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” He was also asked about the possibility of a sequel, considering the film is more popular today than it has likely ever been before. Plus, we all know Hollywood loves a sequel. Well, that is definitely not something that interests Burton.
“To me, the movie is very important,” said Burton. “I’ve done sequels, I’ve done other things, I’ve done reboots, I’ve done all that shit, right? I don’t want that to happen to [‘Nightmare’]. It’s nice that people are maybe interested [in another one], but I’m not. I feel like that old guy who owns a little piece of property and won’t sell to the big power-plant that wants to take my land.”
He added, “Get off of my land! You pesky little… You ain’t getting this property! I don’t care what you want to build on it. You come on my property… Where’s my shotgun?”
In a world overrun with sequels, reboots, remakes, rebootquels, and everything in between, it’s refreshing to see a filmmaker hold firm on making sure it’s not going to happen with one of his most beloved works. Of course, that doesn’t appease fans who are probably hoping for more ‘Nightmare’ works. Then again, it’s not as if Burton hasn’t made other animated features that feel very similar. So, there’s always that to keep people satisfied.
Now, the real question is whether he can hold off the studio dogs for good. You have to assume there’s a price tag that could be reached that might make Burton think twice. We’ll just have to wait and see.
