Tim Burton Drops a Major Hint: Could He and Johnny Depp Reunite for a New Project?

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have created some of the most memorable films of the last few decades, with their frequent collaborations spanning across genres, from gothic fantasies to whimsical adventures. After working together no less than eight times, including on beloved films like Edward Scissorhands (1990), Sleepy Hollow (1999), and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), the question on many fans’ minds is whether these two iconic figures will team up again. Burton recently gave an intriguing answer to that very question.

Burton, fresh off the critical and commercial success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the highly anticipated sequel to his 1988 cult classic Beetlejuice, opened up about his long-standing creative partnership with Depp. Speaking to IndieWire, the director discussed the possibility of working with Depp again, noting that while he has no current plans for a new collaboration, he didn’t rule out the idea entirely. When asked about whether he would team up with Depp for another film, Burton simply stated, “Well, I’m sure there will be.”

Despite the hint at a future project, Burton made it clear that his casting decisions are driven by the project itself, rather than a desire to repeatedly work with the same actors. “I never feel like, oh, I’m going to use this and that actor,” he explained. “It usually has to be based on the project I’m working on. That’s what film is all about. It’s collaboration and bouncing ideas off the people around you.” This approach suggests that any potential collaboration between the two would depend on the right project, not just on their past success together.

Burton and Depp’s partnership has produced some truly iconic films, but it’s worth noting that Burton is selective about revisiting his previous work. He has been clear that some of his classics, like Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas, are stories he believes should stand on their own without sequels. “Certain things are best left on their own,” Burton explained, reinforcing that some films should not be revisited, no matter how beloved they are.

While a new collaboration between Burton and Depp remains up in the air, the timing may be right. Depp, despite facing significant challenges in recent years—including a highly publicized legal battle with his ex-wife Amber Heard—has made a notable comeback with films like Minamata (2020) and Jeanne du Barry (2023), the latter of which earned positive audience reviews despite mixed critical reception. Depp’s return to the director’s chair in 2024 with Modi also suggests that he is reasserting himself as a creative force in the industry, which could make a potential Burton collaboration all the more enticing.

As for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the sequel has reignited interest in Burton’s classic films. The success of this long-awaited follow-up, which brings back Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara, has raised the question of whether more sequels could be in the works. Burton has tempered expectations, humorously noting that another Beetlejuice sequel would be unlikely due to his age, stating, “Let’s do the math. It took 35 years to do this one. For another, I’d be over 100 [years old].” While he jokingly acknowledged that medical advancements might extend his career, Burton seems content with making Beetlejuice Beetlejuice his final word on the franchise, despite the producer’s teasing of a potential threequel.

As Burton prepares for his next project, which is reportedly a remake of the 1958 classic Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, the director is keeping his options open, even if he’s hesitant to revisit past successes unless they feel personally relevant. While nothing is set in stone, the possibility of another collaboration with Johnny Depp remains tantalizing for fans of both artists.

For now, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will be available to stream on Max and TV via HBO on December 7, 2024, bringing Burton’s signature blend of quirky horror and dark humor to audiences once again. Whether Depp will be involved in Burton’s next venture remains uncertain, but with such a rich history of collaboration, fans can only hope that the iconic duo will reunite for another cinematic adventure in the future.