7 Tim Burton Movie Fan Theories That Change the Films

Tim Burton is known for creepy, gothic-style aesthetics and spooky themes. Many of his movies are enjoyed by the whole family, but some fan theories suggest that the movies are darker or more complex than they seem. Whether that means new information or unexplained connections throughout his many films, fans cannot help but theorize the deeper truth. Here are 7 Tim Burton movie fan theories that change the film.

7. Willy Wonka Created Edward Scissorhands

This fan theory begins with the opening scene of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The camera shows a cookie-cutter machine, which, interestingly enough, is also featured in Edward Scissorhands.

The theory suggests that Wonka retired and moved to Florida after giving his chocolate factory to Charlie. He continued as an inventor but focused more on fixing problems in humanity and human behavior. The solution was simple: create the perfect human.

Wonka set out to create a kind, innocent, and truly good human. The only issue was that he passed away before his creation was complete. This resulted in the creepy yet endearing character we all know and love

6. Lydia Deetz Is the Granddaughter of Kim Boggs

It is no secret that the characters have a resemblance–they were both played by Winona Ryder! This fan theory, however, extends beyond the resemblance.

Edward Scissorhands begins with Boggs telling her granddaughter about Edward. Fans speculate that the little girl was, in fact, Lydia Deetz. Lydia absolutely loved the stories about Edward, so much so that she began to emulate his style. This would explain Lydia’s love of all things dark and goth.

5. Oogie Boogie Once Ruled Halloweentown

As times have evolved, so have holidays. It is fair to assume that the holiday towns would evolve with them, as that is their primary purpose.

Halloween was once known as All Hallow’s Eve. It wasn’t about having fun with friends and eating candy; it was primarily about ghosts and, ultimately, witches, vampires, and other frightening creatures. The Bogey Man was a frightening character that everyone knew, making him the perfect representative in Halloweentown.

As the modern understanding of Halloween has developed into a fun celebration, Oogie Boogie, played by Ken Page, lost power. His goal was to invoke genuine horror in people of all ages, not the light-hearted Halloween scares that always include candy.

As a result, the new face of Halloween was born: Jack Skellington. Though he is known for his scares, he is also a kind person as the end of the day. This is seen in his desire to bring joy to children on Christmas Day.

While the rest of the town adapted to the new Halloween, Oogie Boogie did not. As a result, Jack had him banished to the dungeon-like room he calls home. The people of Halloweentown even admit that their intention isn’t evil in the opening song: “That’s our job, but we’re not mean.”

They also warn the audience about Oogie Boogie, saying, “Mr. Oogie Boogie is the meanest guy around.”

4. Emily Is Victoria’s Aunt in The Corpse Bride

A fan on Reddit suggests that Emily is actually the younger sister of Maudeline Everglot, Victoria’s mother. Victoria’s parents were bitter and overprotective of her throughout the film, even calling her an “otter in disgrace,” which is a play on “utter disgrace.” This might be because Victoria has noticeably similar features to Emily, which reminds Maudeline of her sister.

The audience is told some of Emily’s backstory: that she stole the family jewels and ran off to marry Lord Barkis. This suggests that Emily came from a rich, noble family, which aligns with Maudeline’s past.

Though we do not know much about Maudeline, we do know that she was of “impeccable breeding,” which implies that she was also from a noble family. However, the only noble family left in town is the Everlots, whom she married into.

If that is the case, Maudeline’s family would have had to lose their fortune somehow. It is possible that the fortune was lost when the youngest daughter stole the family jewels, forcing their oldest daughter to marry a man she didn’t love. Victoria’s parents make it very clear that marriage is not for love, but for gaining finances and status. If this is all a result of Maudeline’s past, it would make sense why she resents Victoria for looking like her sister, who forced her into a loveless marriage, and why they lock Victoria up to keep her from escaping. Her sister “escaped” once, so they are taking preventative measures.

Alternative theories suggest that Victoria and Emily are the true pair of sisters, meaning Lord Barkis intentionally targeted the same family twice. This would explain why the Everlots lost their fortune.

3. Edward Scissorhands Was Inspired By Sweeney Todd

Some fans believe Sweeney Todd was the inspiration for Edward, meaning they exist in the same universe. The two characters share similar features, including their hair, pale complexion, and, of course, their faces (both being played by Johnny Depp).

Not only this, but both characters took on the same career path: cutting hair. While Todd ultimately had ulterior motives, there is no denying the similarities between the two. The theory is that Edward’s creator tried to recreate Sweeney Todd.

The question is, however, why would Edward’s creator recreate a killer? He is portrayed as a kind man who genuinely cared for Edward. One Reddit user suggested that he might have manipulated Edward into believing he was kind.

Another explanation could be that the scientist was trying to make up for the wrongdoings of Sweeney Todd. By creating a kind version with a genuine talent as a hairstylist, the world might be light at the end of the tunnel after the horrible events.

2. Willy Wonka Makes Candy Out of Children

Possibly one of the most disturbing Tim Burton movie fan theories is that Wonka Chocolate is actually made out of children. Fans point out that when Augustus Gloop fell into the chocolate river, he was sucked up by a suspiciously human-sized pipe.

Not only that, but the next scene makes it clear that Wonka anticipated having fewer children than he started with: “After Augustus gets sucked up the shoot, they all hop on board the boat through the tunnel of doom. The boat doesn’t have two extra vacant seats, though,” a Reddit user commented. “It was designed with prior knowledge that they would lose two participants before that point.”

Violet turning into a blueberry is a strange occurrence that Wonka did not seem to put much effort into preventing. He simply tells the Oompa Loompas to take her to the “juicing room,” as if it is the same old routine. Fans suggest that this is a regular practice in the Wonka factory used to get “natural” fruit flavors for their candies.

The user also points out that “Later, they drive a cream spewing car with only four seats.” They drive the point home by saying, “Did they have another car waiting in the garage in case the others made it? Of course not. Willy Wonka uses children to make candy.”

1. Fans Can Tell How Each Character in The Nightmare Before Christmas Died

Halloweentown is home to the creepy characters in The Nightmare Before Christmas. Though we get to know many of their personalities, we don’t really get to know their backstories and how they died. Some fans believe the answer is right in front of us.

Since all that was left of his body was bones, fans theorize that Jack Skellington was burned to death. It is alluded to not only in his appearance, but also in his opening scene when he burns the scarecrow body he wears.

Fans believe Lock was locked outside and froze to death due to his blue lips and complexion, as well as his devil costume symbolizing his need for warmth. Barrel was said to have been placed in a barrel and rolled out to a lake, where he would drown. His blue lips and green hair showcase his lack of oxygen. Sensing a pattern in the names of the trick-or-treaters, fans believe Shock was electrocuted. Not only because of her name, but because of her hair, which appears fried and seems to stick straight up.

The mayor is said to have been decapitated due to the ability to turn his head 180 degrees, undersea gal is theorized to have drowned, and fans believe the witches were accused of witch craft and hung.

Though there are only a handful of characters included here, The Nightmare Before Christmas fans have theories for nearly every resident of Halloweentown.