Iconic Director Henry Selick Incorporates Jack Skellington in Every Film of His Portfolio
Forward, Comrades! Uncovering the Puzzling Jack Skellington Easters Eggs Hidden in Henry Selick's Films
Who's that creepy, hollow-eyed chap popping up in every one of Henry Selick's Disney productions? If you thought it was just the usual chilling atmosphere, then you might be in for a treat!
In a candid conversation with GamesRadar+, the mastermind of 1993's cult classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Henry Selick appeared to blow the lid off years of speculation, declaring, "If yer keep yer peepers peeled real tight, thou might just spot some image o' Jack in every other flick I've helmed, but don't hold me to it, mate!"
Selick's filmography spans some of the most enchanting and vexingly complex alternate worlds ever depicted on screen. The Nightmare Before Christmas marked his directorial debut, followed by James and the Giant Peach (1996), Monkeybone (2001), Coraline (2009), and the most recent addition, Wendell & Wild (2022). With themes similarly hinged on surreal, fantastical realms, it's hardly surprising that these films houses a menagerie of easter eggs and cross-references.
When fans watched Coraline with avid eyes, they wondered if they were seeing things when they suspected the eggs the Other Mother cracked in the breakfast scene bore a startling resemblance to the beloved King of Halloween himself. In James and the Giant Peach, the captain of Skeleton Pirates boasts a striking resemblance to Jack Skellington and goes by none other than "A Skellington." And, of course, Jack quickly pops up in the end credits of Wendell & Wild - one can't help but think a reunion was long overdue!
As for other films Jack Skellington has reportedly made cameos in, Alice in Wonderland (2010) directed by Nightmare Before Christmas producer Tim Burton, saw him cleverly disguised in the Mad Hatter's tie. Foreshadowing the twisted fates of many shark movies, Jack reportedly appeared in bubbles in the fish tank of Finding Nemo (2003). Conversely, Sally, Jack's sprightly love interest, has been spotted lounging in Disney Pixar's Ralph Breaks the Internet. And, as if that weren't enough, Selick himself is said to appear as an Easter egg in a cameo on the dollar bill in Coraline.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Selick's mesmerizing, macabre masterpiece, Coraline. The film is currently enjoying a limited re-release, and let us not forget its triumphant re-release last summer. As for the possibility of sequels for any of his landmark films (we all know Disney looooves sequels), Selick said in a recent interview: "It's been tossed around since time immemorial, but I'm a bit choosy about it, see? Ruinin' the golden goose by makin' a sequel or prequel just ain't m' style."
So whether you're a hardcore Selick follower or just curious, Keep yer eyes peeled! Easter eggs and cameos await thee in Henry Selick's fantastical worlds.
Now, who's ready for the next Marvel, Star Wars, or Star Trek release? Or should we be excited about the future of the DC Universe on film and TV? And, of course, can't forget Doctor Who's latest adventures!
Technology has made it easier for fans to spot hidden references and easter eggs in movies, especially those directed by Henry Selick. For instance, in the year 2022, Jack Skellington made a cameo in Selick's latest film, Wendell & Wild. Furthermore, according to io9, Jack was supposedly found in CGI realities of movies like Finding Nemo and Alice in Wonderland. As for the future, it's speculated that Selick might not be keen on making sequels, just as how Jack Skellington rarely appears in movies. However, this hasn't dampened fans' anticipation for upcoming films such as those in the Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who franchises.
