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Summoning Beetlejuice by saying his name twice has become a timeless ritual, and after 36 years, Michael Keaton’s iconic bio-exorcist is set to make a ghostly return to the big screen in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, better known as Beetlejuice 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Tim Burton’s beloved 1988 horror-comedy.
The anticipation for a follow-up to the cult classic has been building for over a decade, especially as both Keaton and Winona Ryder experienced significant career revivals. With Burton finding success once again, notably with Netflix’s Wednesday, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has a strong chance of capturing the same dark magic that made the original film so enduringly popular. However, while Keaton, Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara are set to reprise their roles, much of the announced cast consists of new faces, including Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe, and Monica Bellucci.
Despite the possibility of surprise cameos, fans are left wondering if original stars Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis will return as the Maitlands, the benevolent ghosts who play a crucial role in the original film. While Beetlejuice and Lydia are the most recognizable characters, Adam and Barbara Maitland are actually the central figures of the story, serving as Lydia’s surrogate parents.
So, why aren’t Baldwin and Davis confirmed for the sequel? Firstly, both actors are at different stages in their careers compared to 1988. Davis is selective about her projects, and Baldwin is contending with legal issues following the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust. Moreover, there may be a storytelling reason for their absence. Davis has pointed out that ghosts don’t age, suggesting that their appearances would need to remain unchanged from 1988. Given Burton’s desire to return to a more practical approach to filmmaking, relying less on CGI, the absence of the Maitlands may simply align with his creative vision for the sequel.
While some may interpret their absence as a disappointment, it’s essential to recognize that it may align with the narrative and the filmmaking approach Burton intends to take. Sometimes, it’s best to let sleeping ghosts lie.