Zero is the tritagonist in Tim Burton's 1993 stop-motion Disney film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. He is Jack Skellington's ghost dog who doesn't speak but barks like a real life dog.
He is voiced by Frank Welker.
Background[]
Personality[]
Zero is entirely loyal to his master, Jack Skellington, following Jack wherever he goes and always helping him around whenever he needs it. Despite being a ghost dog, Zero acts like a normal dog; barking, whining, and playing fetch.
However, Zero (along with Sally) shows unease with Jack's unhealthy obsession with Christmas, but he would still aid his master in overtaking the holiday. Zero did try to steer Jack in right direction by reminding him of his true purpose and who he truly is (by showing a portrait of Jack holding a pumpkin); thus showing that Zero has a sense of right and wrong. This sense was shown again when Zero gives Jack Santa's hat so Jack can save Christmas and set things right.
Zero would do anything to make Jack happy; convincing him to play fetch with him or help Jack live out his dream by taking over Christmas, despite having doubts. Zero would even brighten up his mood whenever he sees Jack happy; showing that Zero truly does care for Jack and his well-being.
Physical Appearance[]
Zero is a dog-like ghost with a body made of white sheet, basset hound-like ears, black eye sockets, long and thin snout, upper jaw curls at the tip, very small glowing pumpkin nose, faded brown collar.
Role in the film[]
Zero first appears after being summoned by Jack from his grave after the Halloween celebration ends. He listens to his master express his boredom over Halloween and notices Sally watching them from behind a grave. Zero accompanies Jack through the woods where he convinces him to play a game of fetch. The two later find a mysterious area filled with multiple doors that lead to similar worlds focused on different holidays. When Jack opens the Christmas door and gets pulled into the world of Christmas, Zero stays behind, concerned for his master. However, Jack is able to leave Christmas Town and Zero accompanies him in returning to Halloween Town where Jack shares his discoveries to the town's residents.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Zero is based on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Max, the Grinch's dog
- Zero is the only pet and animal in the movie that is a ghost.
- Zero doesn't speak, but barks and acts like a real dog
- Despite being a ghost, it is implied that Zero still needs to breathe, as when viewers see him sleeping on his bed, part of his sheet-like chest moves up and down.
- Zero is the first dog of Tim Burton's works (the second being Scraps from Corpse Bride and the third being Sparky from Frankenweenie).