Alice Through the Looking Glᴀss reunites 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 Wonderland is 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 be Burton’s biggest box office success. The director’s collaboration with the studio is what resulted in its $1 billion success, although Burton has gone on to experience trouble with Disney since then.

Alice Through The Looking Glᴀss was a huge failure by 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 Glᴀss grossed 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 if Alice Through The Looking Glᴀss could 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 the Alice Through The Looking Glᴀss Producer, Suzanne Todd, Burton had made it clear from the outset that he would not be involved in any sequel project. (via Collider) 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 told Collider, “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 an Alice in Wonderland sequel. Considering “so much of [Burton’s] movies come from this world in his mind,” (via Collider) 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 success is 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 Glᴀss Would’ve Been Different With Tim Burton

Alice Through The Looking Glᴀss 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 Glᴀss resembles these visuals in some regards because Burton remained involved as a producer. As reported by Todd, Burton did ᴀssist with the character designs and was regularly consulted by the new director, James Bobin, for certain elements. This means that Alice Through The Looking Glᴀss does 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.

If Burton were attached to the project in a directorial capacity, it would be reasonable to speculate that Alice Through The Looking Glᴀss might 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 Glᴀss certainly would have garnered more attention from having Burton’s name attached to a Disney blockbuster sequel. This was arguably what the project was desperately in need of after its low budget and huge box-office compeтιтion.

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,” (via Collider) and the director has only gone on to create two sequels throughout his entire career. These two continuations were Batman Returns in 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.

Burton outlined his motivation for Beetlejuice 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,” (via Variety) which ended up earning the Beetlejuice sequel over $300 million at the box office. That being said, Batman Returns was 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 direct Alice Through The Looking Glᴀss.

Source: Collider, Variety