Unveiling Jack Skellington: Hidden Connections Between Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas

Henry Selick, the mastermind behind The Nightmare Before Christmas, challenged me with an intriguing quest: to uncover a hidden Jack Skellington within the frames of Coraline. He suggested that each of his films has a subtle nod to this beloved character.

Enthusiasts of The Nightmare Before Christmas probably know that Jack Skellington has shown up in several Tim Burton productions throughout the years, such as Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice. However, director Henry Selick notes that he has also incorporated The Pumpkin King in his own works, such as Coraline. 

Upon examining the 2009 film Coraline, it becomes evident that in the breakfast scene when The Other Mother cracks an egg into a bowl, the yolk bears a striking resemblance to Jack’s face. This scene occurs when Coraline ventures into the alternate realm for a final confrontation with The Beldam, playing a game where victory grants her freedom with her real parents, while defeat would mean remaining in the other world as The Other Mother sews buttons into her eyes. 

Moreover, it's not only Coraline where fans have detected glimpses of the character; an attentive watch can reveal Jack's nod in some of Selick’s other films as well. Notably, in James and the Giant Peach, the captain of a gang of skeletal pirates bears a strong likeness to Jack and is even referred to by the name 'Skellington.' Additionally, he makes a cameo during the credits of Selick’s latest movie, Wendell and Wild. 

Beyond mere cameos, both The Nightmare Before Christmas, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, and Coraline, which recently marked its 15th, possess thematic parallels. Both Jack and Coraline embark on journeys away from their familiar worlds in search of alternate realities that conceal darker truths. Selick expresses a persistent fascination with this theme, reflecting on his childhood memories of films like The Wizard of Oz and The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad. 

Furthermore, both films feature antagonists, The Other Mother and Oogie Boogie, who excel at enticing their victims into their lairs for devouring in various forms. When prompted about which of these villains might triumph in a clash, Selick remarked that while Oogie has superior strength, The Other Mother possesses greater cunning. Nevertheless, he believes neither could overpower Coraline, especially with the assistance of Jack and Sally. 

Coraline, now remastered in 3D, will grace theaters for a limited engagement starting August 15. Meanwhile, The Nightmare Before Christmas is accessible for streaming on Disney Plus.