With Alice in Wonderland, Tim Burton’s 3D sequel to the hugely popular children’s novels, storming the box office (it has already made over $400 million worldwide in 2 weeks in release), the odd-looking director could probably choose whatever he wants to make next. It seems likely that his project will be a return to his origins, a feature-length adaptation of his short Frankenweenie. But rumours are abound that Burton will take on another established story of oddness.

The Addams Family was originally a one-panel comic strip that became the often rerun live-action sitcom in the 1960s. The story followed the mishaps of a family that were a mix of vampires, Frankenstein monsters, and disturbed children. The 1990s saw a cartoon remake, not to mention 2 films (which kick-started the career of Christina Ricci). And so, with all these resurrections of famous shows from the past, comes news that Burton is to helm a 3D movie remake of the show, in top-motion style (akin to Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas). Or at least that was the rumour earlier this week. But yesterday Burton’s publicists denied the rumour, claiming Burton hasn’t signed up for anything just yet. So is Burton’s take on the Addams family a joke made by someone matching like and like? Only time will tell.