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The Nightmare Before Christmas, widely regarded as one of the best spooky kids’ movies, originally had a very different ending—one that Tim Burton strongly opposed. In a special episode of Netflix’s The Holiday Movies That Made Us, it was revealed that director Henry Selick, while working on the film, pitched a major twist involving the villain that didn’t sit well with Burton.
The 1993 movie, based on a poem by Burton, follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. Tired of his usual holiday routine, Jack discovers Christmas Town and becomes fascinated with its festive cheer, which eventually leads to chaos. The film ends with Jack and Sally saving Santa Claus from Oogie Boogie, who’s ultimately revealed to be a pile of bugs under his sack-like exterior.
However, Selick once suggested that Oogie should have turned out to be Dr. Finkelstein—Sally’s controlling creator and a quirky inventor. This twist was meant to add a layer of surprise, but Burton reportedly reacted with fury, allegedly screaming and kicking a hole in a Disney wall upon hearing the idea.
Screenwriter Caroline Thompson also gave Burton some feedback, saying Jack and Sally’s relationship needed a bit more development to make the ending more impactful. Burton didn’t take kindly to that either, reportedly lashing out at an editing machine in frustration.
Despite the behind-the-scenes chaos, Burton’s refusal to budge paid off. The film remains a beloved classic with a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Thankfully, the Scooby-Doo-style villain reveal never made it into the final cut, preserving the movie’s lasting charm and appeal.