Beetlejuice first hit theaters on March 30, 1988, and has since become a beloved classic. Directed by Tim Burton, the film starred Michael Keaton as the mischievous ghost Beetlejuice, with notable performances from Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Catherine O’Hara, and Jeffrey Jones.
The film was a big hit, earning $74 million at the box office on a $15 million budget. Following the movie’s success, an animated TV series titled Beetlejuice aired from 1989 to 1991. Then in 2018, a stage musical adaptation also came out. Now, after 36 years, a sequel titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is finally on the way. So, why did it take so long for the follow-up?
Michael Keaton on the Sequel
Michael Keaton, who reprises his role as Beetlejuice, has shared that the sequel has been a long time in the making. Both he and Tim Burton have been toying with the idea of a sequel for years, but they didn’t want to rush it. Keaton mentioned in an interview with PEOPLE that they wanted to ensure the sequel was done right, rather than just making one for the sake of it. They were cautious about proceeding if they couldn’t match the original’s quality.
They’ve decided to move forward, but with a twist: they want to keep the film’s feel more “handmade” by using practical effects and puppets instead of relying heavily on CGI.
Winona Ryder’s Secret Meetings
Winona Ryder, who plays Lydia Deetz, revealed in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar that she had secret meetings with Burton over the years to discuss the sequel. She was so committed to the project that she agreed to take on the role in Netflix’s Stranger Things only if she could take time off to work on the Beetlejuice sequel. Thankfully, Stranger Things had a break between seasons, which allowed her to film the new Beetlejuice movie.
Tim Burton’s Change of Heart
Before Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Tim Burton’s last film was the 2019 live-action Dumbo. Burton admitted he had lost interest in the movie industry and felt fed up with studios. Instead, he focused on the Netflix series Wednesday, which reignited his passion for filmmaking. The success of Wednesday and his connection to the character of Lydia Deetz inspired him to return to the Beetlejuice sequel.
Seth Grahame-Smith, who was initially brought on to write the sequel, mentioned that it was a challenge to get the film right because there were so many ways it could go wrong. Filming began in May 2023, and by March 2024, a rough cut of the film was completed.
What to Expect
For Burton, this sequel is personal. He feels a deep connection to the character of Lydia and wanted to explore her evolution over the decades. The film features returning stars Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara, alongside new cast members like Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is set to hit theaters on September 6, 2024.
