Alice Through the Looking Glassreunites the cast of Tim Burton’s 2010 original movie and introduces a series of new whimsical characters — although the director did not return for the infamous sequel.Alice in Wonderlandis a reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic novel, following the animated feature from 1951. The 2010 live-action remake was a huge commercial success for Disney, and for the director himself, as it remains to beBurton’s biggest box office success. The director’s collaboration with the studio is what resulted in its $1 billion success, althoughBurton has gone on to experience trouble with Disneysince then.
Alice Through The Looking Glasswas a huge failureby comparison — an outcome many argue the studio should have foreseen before production. Burton may not have directed the sequel, but the director did have considerable input on some of the more important arrangements as the film’s producer.Alice Through The Looking Glassgrossed just $130 million over its budget and made less than its predecessor by large figures. This calls into question whether the sequel would have performed better under Burton’s direction, or ifAlice Through The Looking Glasscould have been saved at all.
Tim Burton Did Not Want To Direct The Alice in Wonderland Sequel
Executives Involved Knew That Burton Would Not Return For A Sequel In 2010
According to theAlice Through The Looking GlassProducer, Suzanne Todd,Burton had made it clear from the outset that he would not be involved in any sequel project. (viaCollider) This ultimately made it far easier to develop the script and meant the creators could seek advice from Burton on directing credits, as well as character and narrative choices. Todd toldCollider, “These movies are very, very hard. I feel like the post-production on the first movie just did [Burton] in.” Consequently, his absence from the project opened the director up to more opportunities outside this world.
In some measure, this was part of the reason for Burton’s hesitancy to return for anAlice in Wonderlandsequel. Considering “so much of [Burton’s] movies come from this world in his mind,” (viaCollider) it is rather understandable that the famed director would be reluctant to become tied down to one project across several years.Much of Burton’s successis owed to his intricate world-building, which becomes unique to each production. Often,Burton’s ideas cannot, and should not be replicated, for fear of losing their distinctive appeal. Due to this, Burton is incredibly selective about making sequels.
How Alice Through The Looking Glass Would’ve Been Different With Tim Burton
Alice Through The Looking Glass Was Still Influenced By Burton
Burton is characterized by his very particular visual style, which has allowed him to grow over the years.Alice Through The Looking Glassresembles these visuals in some regards because Burton remained involved as a producer. As reported by Todd,Burton did assist with the character designs and was regularly consulted by the new director, James Bobin, for certain elements. This means thatAlice Through The Looking Glassdoes not entirely lack Burton’s gothic stamp, but the key ingredient to the first movie’s success was diluted to the point of being detrimental.
2010
$200 million
$1.025 billion
50%
55%
2016
$170 million
$299.5 million
29%
48%
If Burton were attached to the project in a directorial capacity, it would be reasonable to speculate thatAlice Through The Looking Glassmight have seen a better box office performance. Needless to say, Bobin’s efforts were respectable and should not be remotely discredited — but Burton is a much bigger name in the industry.Alice Through The Looking Glasscertainly would have garnered more attention from having Burton’s name attachedto a Disney blockbuster sequel. This was arguably what the project was desperately in need of after its low budget and huge box-office competition.
Tim Burton Has Only Done Two Sequels In His Career
The Only Sequels In Burton’s Career Are For Two Of His Most Popular Characters
Burton claims “sequels are not my thing,” (viaCollider) and the director has only gone on to create two sequels throughout his entire career.These two continuations wereBatman Returnsin 1992, and more recently,Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Sequels are famously very particular enterprises for a director, as they require considerable inspiration and a clear-cut vision of what the next chapter is going to say. Burton definitely fulfilled these criteria with both endeavors, which is perhaps why both movies saw such momentous levels of success.
25 Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Easter Eggs & References Explained
Beetlejuice 2 embraces nostalgia by staying true to the original movie, but the various Easter eggs and references also lean into modern day.
Burton outlined his motivation forBeetlejuice 2, stating, “I wasn’t out to do a big sequel for money or anything like that, I wanted to make this for very personal reasons,” (viaVariety) which ended up earning theBeetlejuice sequelover $300 million at the box office. That being said,Batman Returnswas not that big of a hit, but it has come to be held in very high regard. These movies demonstrate Burton’s precise approach to sequels, and why he did not want to directAlice Through The Looking Glass.
