Tim burton Reveals ‘Nightmare before Christmas’ began as a Poem, a Decade Before Release
LOS ANGELES, CA - Tim Burton disclosed that the genesis of his stop-motion animated classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas, stemmed from a poem he penned in 1982 while working at Disney, a full decade before the film’s eventual 1993 release. The revelation surfaced during a recent interview, offering a new perspective on the film’s remarkably unique origins and its enduring cultural impact.
The story behind The Nightmare before Christmas is particularly resonant as Disney prepares for a potential live-action adaptation, sparking debate among fans about preserving the film’s distinctive aesthetic and spirit. Burton’s initial vision,born from a desire to create a non-customary holiday film,faced years of advancement hurdles within the Disney system,ultimately finding its form through stop-motion animation and the creative partnership with director Henry Selick. The film’s continued popularity-it remains a Halloween staple and a beloved family favorite-underscores the power of Burton’s original concept and its lasting appeal.
Burton described the poem as a dark, lyrical exploration of Halloween and Christmas colliding, initially conceived as a short film. While working on projects like Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and Beetlejuice, he continued to develop the idea, sketching character designs and envisioning the world of Halloween town. “It was something I had to get out,” Burton explained, recalling the early stages of the project. “It was a way to express things that weren’t necessarily… conventional.”
despite Burton’s persistent efforts, Disney executives were hesitant to embrace the film’s macabre tone and unconventional style. The project languished for years until Burton secured the support of producer Kathleen Kennedy, who championed the idea of a stop-motion animated feature. Henry Selick was brought on to direct, while Burton remained heavily involved as a producer and conceptual designer, ensuring the film stayed true to his original vision.
The resulting film, released on October 29, 1993, became a critical and commercial success, lauded for its innovative animation, memorable characters, and hauntingly beautiful score by Danny Elfman. The Nightmare Before Christmas has as grossed over $63 million worldwide and cemented its place as a cornerstone of Halloween culture, proving that Burton’s initial poem, born from a desire to blend darkness and joy, resonated with audiences across generations.
