A Tim Burton and Johnny Depp reunion is on the cards, here are five movies they could be working on!
Recently, Johnny Depp and Tim Burton were spotted together, reigniting rumors about their creative collaboration. Depp visited The World of Tim Burton exhibition in Turin, Italy, where the two reconnected. Depp expressed gratitude for being part of Burton’s artistic universe, and their reunion has sparked speculation about what might be next for the iconic duo.
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Depp was seen exploring the exhibition, which showcased some of Burton’s most famous works, such as Edward Scissorhands and Sweeney Todd. This visit naturally set fans abuzz, especially given the potential for a new collaboration between the two.
Adding to the speculation, rumor has it that Tim Burton has received the green light for a big-budget film starring Beetlejuice 2 was a triumph, bringing back classic characters like Michael Keaton’s Betelgeuse and Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz. The movie’s success cemented Burton’s status as a director capable of blending gothic fantasy with mainstream appeal.
Burton’s other classic films starring Depp, such as Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, have become cultural touchstones over the years. Their creative synergy, starting in the early ’90s, has produced a unique blend of quirky, dark, and emotionally resonant films. With Beetlejuice 2 now out, there is strong interest in whether Depp might return in a cameo or even take a larger role in future Burton projects.
In fact, rumors circulated that Depp could make a cameo as Edward Scissorhands in Beetlejuice 2, especially after he was seen near the set having coffee with Jenna Ortega, one of Hollywood’s rising stars and a new A-list talent featured in the film. Depp’s brief visit to the set further fueled speculation that his return to Burton’s universe could be more than just a one-off appearance.
Fans are now left wondering what the next chapter holds for these two creative powerhouses.
1. Edward Scissorhands 2: The Return of Edward
The original Edward Scissorhands (1990) is one of Tim Burton’s most iconic films, marking the first major collaboration between him and Johnny Depp. The film told the poignant tale of Edward, a man with scissor hands who struggles to fit into society. Depp’s portrayal of the misunderstood outsider became legendary, and the character is beloved by fans even today.
With rumors swirling that Depp almost had a cameo as Edward Scissorhands in Beetlejuice 2, it’s possible that the duo could be planning a full-fledged sequel. Edward returning to the modern world would give Burton and Depp the opportunity to explore contemporary issues of isolation, technology, and society’s alienation of the “other.” Plus, with the advancement of visual effects, a new Edward Scissorhands could look even more magical.
2. The Batman Who Laughs
One of the most exciting potential projects for Tim Burton and Johnny Depp could be a film adaptation of The Batman Who Laughs, a chilling story from DC Comics. In this storyline, an alternate version of Bruce Wayne from Earth-22 is driven insane after killing the Joker and becoming infected by a nanotoxin. This transforms him into a hybrid of Batman and the Joker, known as the Batman Who Laughs, a sadistic and twisted character obsessed with spreading chaos and corruption. The Batman Who Laughs leads an army of “Dark Knights” and wreaks havoc across the multiverse, making him one of the most terrifying villains in the DC universe.
Johnny Depp would be the perfect actor to bring this nightmarish character to life. Depp excels at playing eccentric, morally complex characters, and his ability to embody both darkness and charm makes him an ideal fit for the role. The Batman Who Laughs is a character that combines the intelligence and tactical brilliance of Batman with the psychotic unpredictability of the Joker, which would allow Depp to showcase his full range of acting abilities. Under Tim Burton’s direction, the film could explore the unsettling, gothic atmosphere that defines this villain’s world, making it a perfect addition to their collaboration portfolio.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas: Jack’s Return
Although Depp didn’t star in the original The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Tim Burton produced the film, which has since become a cult classic. With stop-motion animation still thriving, a sequel to Nightmare could be in the works. Depp might lend his voice to a new character in the Halloween Town universe or even replace Jack Skellington’s original voice actor, Chris Sarandon, in a modernized version.
Depp’s quirky voice work and Burton’s unparalleled visual creativity could reimagine The Nightmare Before Christmas for a new generation. A sequel could explore new holiday worlds, perhaps with Jack trying to conquer Easter or even Halloween itself becoming endangered.
4. The Phanton of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera is a classic gothic tale written by Gaston Leroux, which tells the story of Erik, a disfigured musical genius who haunts the Paris Opera House. Hidden away from society due to his grotesque appearance, the Phantom becomes obsessed with Christine, a beautiful young singer. His love for her turns possessive and dangerous as he manipulates events in the opera house to make her a star while also demanding her love in return. The original novel dives deep into themes of beauty, obsession, and isolation, set against a hauntingly atmospheric backdrop of opera performances and hidden underground chambers. Over the years, the story has been adapted into musicals, films, and TV shows, but Burton’s dark and stylized approach could bring new life to the tragic figure of the Phantom.
Johnny Depp would be a perfect choice to play the Phantom (of the Opera), thanks to his natural charisma and unique ability to balance vulnerability with menace. Depp has proven his musical abilities in films like Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, where his haunting voice and theatrical presence were at the forefront. His ability to portray complex, tortured characters would add depth to the Phantom, portraying him as not just a villain but a tragic figure consumed by unrequited love and his own deformities. With Depp’s previous experience in music and his flair for eccentric roles, his portrayal of the Phantom (of the Opera) could combine the chilling obsession of Erik with the raw emotional depth that Depp brings to all of his performances.
5. Sleepy Hollow: Ichabod’s Revenge
Sleepy Hollow (1999) was a chilling adaptation of Washington Irving’s classic tale, with Johnny Depp portraying the headless-horseman-chasing investigator Ichabod Crane. Given the current resurgence in supernatural thrillers, Burton could easily bring Ichabod Crane back to life.
In Sleepy Hollow: Ichabod’s Revenge, Depp could reprise his role as an older, more cynical Ichabod, facing a new supernatural threat in another haunted town. The original film’s dark visuals and intense atmosphere would naturally lend themselves to a modern-day horror reboot. With Burton at the helm, this sequel could become another gothic masterpiece.