35 Years Ago Today, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp’s Most Iconic Movie Premiered (And It Has a Forgotten Sequel)

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Have you ever considered how some movies truly reshape our understanding of certain characters? Guillermo del Toro often reimagines classic monsters, and Jordan Peele famously flipped the script on who we perceive as the real threat. Tim Burton, known for embracing the unusual, made a particularly strong impact with one film that continues to resonate today. Thirty-five years later, the movie isn’t just a nostalgic favorite; it’s a cultural touchstone, proving how something seemingly simple can become incredibly influential. Many consider it Burton’s finest work, and it remains the standard Hollywood uses when introducing new stories about misunderstood individuals.

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp became one of the most famous director-actor teams in film history, and it all began with Edward Scissorhands. Though many know the story, it still feels fresh today because it doesn’t portray its main character as simply a sad figure. Edward (Depp) is built by an unusual inventor, introduced to suburban life by a kind saleswoman, and quickly becomes a neighborhood spectacle. The film could have easily been a lighthearted comedy or a predictable love story, but it succeeds by focusing on a single, powerful idea: the suburbs are inherently unwelcoming. Edward isn’t shunned because he’s different; he’s rejected because people show their true colors when faced with someone they can’t dominate.

Edward Scissorhands Is Still Tim Burton’s Masterpiece

Watching the film again highlights the stark difference between its flamboyant, visually striking style and its surprisingly direct commentary on social issues – issues that remain relevant today. While Burton had previously used elaborate sets and designs in films like Beetlejuice, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Alice in Wonderland, the social critique here is much more upfront. That’s intentional. Johnny Depp’s performance is effective because he leans into awkwardness; his character doesn’t offer much explanation, doesn’t strive for a typical heroic journey, and simply is. This exposes the weakness of the town’s values and surprisingly makes the audience root for him.

What’s most surprising is how perfectly Edward Scissorhands remains in people’s minds – so much so that no one ever really asked for a follow-up. Tim Burton has talked about his reluctance to make sequels to his popular films, and with this one, it always felt like audiences agreed it was a complete story on its own. The ending is perfect as it is – there are no hints at a franchise, no artificial cliffhangers, and no desire to build a larger universe around it. It’s a beautiful, self-contained story that says everything it needs to, and that’s why it resonates. Some stories simply don’t benefit from being revisited, and that’s part of its appeal. However, that didn’t prevent other adaptations from appearing.

Edward Scissorhands Had a Sequel Almost Nobody Knows About

While there hasn’t been a movie sequel to Edward Scissorhands, a comic book series published by IDW Publishing continued the story years after the original. It largely flew under the radar, but it’s actually a well-done sequel that builds on the original without changing what people loved about it.

The story continues the tale begun in the original film, following Kim Boggs’ granddaughter, Megan, as she seeks to uncover the truth about her grandmother’s relationship with Edward. Edward remains secluded in his castle, avoiding attention, until a new creation of his inventor arrives and poses a potential danger. This sequel doesn’t attempt to change the original ending or transform Edward into an action star. Instead, the comic book keeps the story personal and maintains the same sad, thoughtful mood, but shifts the focus from romance to themes of family history and taking responsibility.

Despite staying true to Tim Burton’s style, the comic book sequel didn’t appeal to a wide audience, likely because it felt like a complete story on its own, making further installments seem redundant. However, it’s a fantastic addition for fans of the film and director. It smartly avoids trying to recreate the movie or mimic the actors, instead finding strength in its own balance – embracing the original’s look and feel without simply copying it. The comic cleverly addresses a question many viewers had after the film: what happened to Edward after the lights went out? It naturally continues the story, picking up with Kim’s granddaughter’s curiosity – and our own.

Edward Scissorhands is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its enduring appeal lies in its simple yet powerful storytelling, focusing on a memorable protagonist and a message about the fear of conformity. Rather than relying on special effects, the film explores how societal expectations can be more frightening than individuality. It’s also become a beloved holiday tradition, enjoyed by families and rediscovered by new viewers every Christmas – a truly charming film that continues to captivate.

Edward Scissorhands is available on Hulu.

Did you watch the movie? Share your thoughts in the comments below and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-15 04:13