When you think aboutTim Burton’s best movies, there are a few obvious ones that come to mind.Beetlejuice,Batman,Sweeny Todd, andEdward Scissorhandsare some of the usual suspects, but 1999’sSleepy Hollowdefinitely ranks right up there with the best of them. Now, 26 years after its premiere, Burton’s Gothic classic is finally getting a sequel, but not in the way you might think.
Announced today over on Entertainment Weekly, IDW Publishing is set to releaseReturn to Sleepy Hollow, a new comic series set 15 years after the events of the movie. Penned by Eisner Award-winner Casey Gilly (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) with artwork by Savanna Mayer, the comic sequel is said to focus on “a deeper evil” that lurks in the quaint town years later:
“Ichabod has now built a name for himself as a debunker of occult claims across the world. He receives a frantic letter urging him back to Sleepy Hollow to investigate a string of unexplainable murders. This reunites him with his now-estranged love, Katrina, and together, they will uncover the truth of Sleepy Hollow’s origins and the roots that connect them all.”
25 Years Later, ‘Sleepy Hollow’ Is Still Tim Burton’s Only Truly Scary Movie
Burton’s movies have plenty of spooky imagery, but his 1999 film is the only one that really wants to frighten us.
“We are so honored to be able tocontinue the story of Tim Burton’s 1999Sleepy Hollow,” said IDW editor Riley Farmer in a statement released today. “Fans ofSleepy Hollow, horror, gothic romance, and all things weird will find a lot to love in our series.”
‘Return to Sleepy Hollow’ Will Easily Capture the Magic of Burton’s Original
Released on June 26, 2025,Sleepy Hollowstars Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane, a police constable sent from New York City to investigate a series of murders in the village of Sleepy Hollow by a mysterious Headless Horseman. Also starring Christina Ricci as Katrina Anne Van Tassel and Christopher Walken in a memorable performance as the Headless Horseman, the film was a modest success at the box office, grossing $201 million. In the years since, it’s gone on to be regarded as one of Burton’s best movies, mostly due to Depp’s portrayal of the quirky cop and its blend of horror and mystery.
For Gilly, she sawReturn to Sleepy Hollowas an incredible opportunity, and one she knew she had to write. “Once I saw Savanna’s incredible art, I knew it was meant to be,” she said in her own statement, adding that she’s always been a fan of the strange and unusual:
“I’ve always had a fascination with spiritualism, early Victorian funeral practices, and folklore, so combining them together in the world of Sleepy Hollow has made my elder goth heart so full.”
“There was always a rumor going around about me in high school about how I just draw dead people all time. Well, now I get paid to draw dead people.” said Mayer of the chance to work onReturn to Sleepy Hollow. “Bones! Trees! Historical wear! I couldn’t ask for more. Based on amazing folktale source material from my home state, I couldn’t be more thrilled for my comic debut.”
Return to Sleepy Hollowwill be published through IDW’s horror imprint, IDW Dark, which is also looking to give other Paramount IPs the prequel/sequel treatment, includingA Quiet Place,Smile,andEvent Horizon. The exact number of issues in the series is unknown at this point, but you may look for the first one to go on sale on July 15, 2025, just in time for Halloween. In the meantime, Tim Burton’sSleepy Hollowis available to stream for free on Pluto TV.
Source:Entertainment Weekly
Sleepy Hollow
