Some might criticize the practice for not being the most creative path the studio can take, but you can’t deny that Disney’s current scheme of remaking many of their animated classics in live-action is definitely paying off, with nearly all of those released so far being enormous financial successes. It’s no surprise that the Mouse House is continuing to dip into its back catalog for potential, then, but we weren’t necessarily expecting this one.
MovieHole has been told by a source, who they assure us has given them credible and reliable information in the past, that Disney’s looking to capitalize on the everlasting popularity of The Nightmare Before Christmas by making a new film based on the classic Halloween/Christmas stop-motion masterpiece.
In the tipster’s words, the studio’s hoping to “do something with Nightmare Before Christmas – probably a sequel but live-action possible.” Moviehole stresses that this doesn’t mean Disney’s actively discussing a live-action remake – which would seem an ill-fit for the story – but that we should take this as a sign that they’re keen to approach a new film from any angle, which likely means they’re serious about wanting to get something together.
Moviehole’s report doesn’t mention this, but presumably, Tim Burton would be involved in the project. Famously, he didn’t actually direct the original movie – that honor goes to Henry Selick – but the filmmaker did create the story and the characters (and their memorable designs). Burton’s also a leading player in Disney’s remake game, having helmed both 2010’s Alice in Wonderland and the upcoming Dumbo.
It’s ironic that Nightmare is now a big enough Disney staple for it to be considered for a new movie though, as the studio was so weirded out by it back in the day that they released it under their Touchstone Pictures label rather than making it an official Disney animated film. Nowadays, of course, Nightmare merchandise is sold the world over, so naturally they want to cash in on that.
But is a new Nightmare Before Christmas a good idea? Let us know what you think of a return trip to Halloweentown in the comments section down below.