Director Reveals Jack Skellington Is Hidden in All Nightmare Before Christmas Movies

In a recent interview, acclaimed director Henry Selick, known for films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline, confirmed a long-held fan theory: there’s a hidden Jack Skellington in each of his movies. Despite Jack being a character owned by Disney, Selick has cleverly included him as an Easter egg in various projects, paying homage to the movie that solidified his reputation as a top-tier animator. Interestingly, Tim Burton, who produced The Nightmare Before Christmas and has often been credited for its success, has also placed Jack Skellington cameos in his own films.

As Coraline celebrates its 15th anniversary and enjoys a limited theatrical re-release today, Selick has been busy with media appearances. He has even discussed plans for a new project, based on Neil Gaiman’s novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane. During an interview, Selick hinted at where fans might spot the elusive Jack Skellington:

“If you look very, very carefully, you might find that there’s some image of Jack in every other film I’ve made. But I can’t legally say that’s true, but it might be true,” Selick mentioned to GamesRadar+. The stop-motion animator then set a personal challenge, “Yeah, I’d say, look at breakfast in Coraline, you might find something in the breakfast.”

GamesRadar+ noted that the appearances of Jack Skellington in James and the Giant Peach—where skeletal pirates resemble Jack—and in Wendell & Wild—he’s in the credits—are already well-documented.

In Coraline, the story centers around a young girl named Coraline, voiced by Dakota Fanning, who discovers a secret door in her new home. Behind this door lies an alternate world that mirrors her own but appears better in many ways. Initially delighted by this discovery, Coraline soon realizes that the other mother (voiced by Teri Hatcher) and her parallel family intend to keep her there forever. She must summon all her courage and resourcefulness to return to her real family and life.

If you’re interested in catching one of tonight’s screenings of Coraline, tickets are available on Fandango’s website for the official screening event. The film is also available for purchase on disc and digital formats.

Source: GamesRadar+