It may be a beloved seasonal classic now, but Disney originally wanted to distance itself from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Disney Nervous About Jack and Company
In an interview with The New York Times to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary, creator Tim Burton and director Henry Selick spoke about a reluctance from Disney to put the Mouse House name above the title, opting to use the more ”adult” Touchstone Pictures label instead.
Selick shares some regret over the decision, claiming the movie’s $50 million box office could have been much bigger with the Disney name slapped on it, but both he and Burton understand why Disney would be so hesitant to do so. Selick said,
“They were afraid it might hurt their brand. If they had put the Disney name on it right then, it would’ve been much more successful, but I understand it just didn’t feel anything like their other animated films.”
“Anytime you’re doing something like that, which was unknown: stop motion, the main character doesn’t have any eyeballs, and it’s all music, what’s to feel comfortable about?” Burton said of the decision, “Of course they would be nervous about it.”
It’s been a busy time of late for The Nightmare Before Christmas as it hits its 30th year. Various tie-in events, interviews, merchandise, and anecdotes have poured in. There’s a theatrical return for the movie, concerts that reunite Jack and Sally, ponderings over a prequel, and a rather dandy Jack Skellington figurine. The movie also reached the highest of pop culture highs in the modern age as Jack is now a character in Fortnite.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is currently streaming on Disney Plus, and is also playing in select theaters.
