For over thirty years, The Nightmare Before Christmas has been a beloved film. It’s unique because it fits our watchlists in both October and December. Whether you enjoy the spooky vibe of Halloween Town or the festive spirit of Christmas Town, this stop-motion film by Henry Selick and Tim Burton is a holiday favorite.

However, there’s one big gap: despite all the merchandise, video games, and even young adult novels like Long Live The Pumpkin Queen, we still don’t have a true, direct sequel.

That finally changes today. The headlines are buzzing, and we can finally confirm: ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Sequel Announced, Gets 2026 Release Date.

What Is ‘The Shiver of Christmas Town’?

The follow-up isn’t hitting theaters—it’s hitting local comic shops. Dynamite Entertainment officially announced at NYCC that they are releasing a brand-new four-part miniseries titled Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Shiver of Christmas Town.

While some die-hard fans might be hoping for a feature film, this comic series is being positioned as a “true” narrative expansion of the original 1993 world.

The Plot: A New Adventure

The story shifts the focus away from the Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington, and places it squarely on the shoulders of the fan-favorite Ragdoll, Sally. The official synopsis teases:

“The enigmatic Dr. Finkelstein, Sally’s creator, has another creation in the works. When he debuts an unusual, yet unexpectedly adorable creature as a new pet, Sally is tasked with taking care of it. Only for the three resident trick-or-treaters of Halloween Town to have it in tow as they embark on their journey to Christmas Town.”

The Creative Team

This isn’t just a quick cash-grab; Dynamite has assembled a heavy-hitting creative team to capture the Burton-esque magic. The series is written by Torunn Grønbekk (Red Sonja, Thor, Venom) with art by Edu Menna (Army of Darkness).

Grønbekk has shared her excitement about the project, noting, “In our story, little goes to plan: tricks are played, treats are had, and along the way, Dr. Finkelstein’s new creation Shiver discovers the true magic of Halloween.”

Will We Ever Get a Movie Sequel?

It’s the question that haunts the fanbase every year. While Henry Selick and Chris Sarandon have both teased the possibility of returning to the franchise, the biggest hurdle remains the “Godfather” of the film himself: Tim Burton.

Burton has been famously protective of the 1993 classic. In a 2023 interview with People, he was quite blunt about why he resists a movie sequel:

“To me the movie is very important. I’ve done sequels, I’ve done other things, I’ve done reboots, I’ve done all that sht, right? I don’t want that to happen to this. It’s nice that people are maybe interested, but I’m not.”*

For now, he views the original film as a “little piece of property” he isn’t willing to sell to the “big power plant.” While that might be disappointing to hear for those waiting for a Nightmare Before Christmas 2 on the silver screen, there is something poetic about the film remaining a singular, untouched masterpiece.

READ ALSO: Paramount Confirms 3 New TMNT Movies, First One Releases in Theaters This Month

How to Get Your Fix in 2026

If you want more from Halloween Town, a comic could be just what you need. The Shiver of Christmas Town #1 comes out in January 2026.

Jack Skellington isn’t featured in the promotional materials, but the essence of the original film—its unique style, heart, and humor—seems to be highlighted.

Are you excited about this new chapter? Does a comic book sequel seem right for you, or do you prefer a big-budget movie sequel? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Stay tuned to our site for more updates as we approach the 2026 release date. You can check out exclusive previews of the artwork over at Screen Rant.