Warner Bros. Pictures has lifted the curtain on the upcoming film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, treating fans to a sneak peek into the sequel of the Tim Burton-helmed original from 1988 – we just hope it doesn’t create a new trend in sequel naming schemes.
The first Beetlejuice film is considered by moviegoers to be a modern comedy classic. Made with only a $15 million budget, the movie grossed nearly four times that at the box office. It helped cement the reputations of Tim Burton and Michael Keaton as household names which would later lead to 1989’s monumental Batman film.
The studio unveiled two official photos on Wednesday, offering tantalizing glimpses into the return of the beloved characters and the introduction of new faces. The photos showcase the iconic Michael Keaton donning his signature Betelgeuse (pronounced “Beetlejuice”, hence the title) costume, marking his return to the role that cemented his status as a cult favorite.
It's showtime! Michael Keaton returns as Tim Burton's ghostly agent of chaos in first look at 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' with Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, and more. https://t.co/gU69qv317P
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) March 20, 2024
Alongside Keaton, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder make a striking reappearance as the eccentric mother-daughter duo, Delia and Lydia Deetz, while fresh faces Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux join the returning ensemble cast, hinting at fresh dynamics within the Deetz family.
Accompanying the reveal, Warner Bros. dropped the first teaser trailer. Set to a haunting rendition of Harry Belafonte’s Day-O, the teaser offers a quick look into the setup and premise of the sequel. Astrid Deetz, portrayed by Jenna Ortega, traverses the familiar bridge where the Maitlands met their demise, while Lydia Deetz, played by Winona Ryder, revisits the attic where eerie discoveries await.
A pivotal moment unfolds at a graveside funeral, where Lydia, Astrid, and Delia bid farewell alongside Justin Theroux’s enigmatic character. Meanwhile, Astrid uncovers a mysterious model of Winter River in the attic, leading to a spine-tingling revelation reminiscent of the original film’s supernatural elements.
Director Tim Burton, the visionary behind both Beetlejuice films, shared insights into the sequel’s narrative, emphasizing its focus on the three generations of Deetz women. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Burton reflected on the enduring appeal of Lydia’s character and teased the emotional journey that awaits audiences.
“I so identified with the Lydia character, but then you get to all these years later, and you take your own journey, going from cool teenager to lame adult, back and forth again,” Burton remarked, hinting at the thematic depth that underpins the sequel to the 1988 original.
Interestingly, a sequel to Beetlejuice has been in development as early as 1990. At one point, it was supposed to take place in Hawaii, with the “Ghost with the Most” facing off against a volcano spirit. However, this planned sequel did not come to fruition as Burton and Keaton had been engrossed with working on 1992’s Batman Returns.
Talks and production finally came together in the past decade, with Burton and Keaton signed on to return. Some of the cast were also confirmed to return, while bringing in new actors to add to the ensemble. While the pandemic and the recent SAG-AFTRA strikes caused delays, the Beetlejuice sequel is finally coming to theaters this year.
Fans can mark their calendars for the theatrical release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on September 6, 2024 when the special brand of mischief once again haunts the silver screen. Are you ready to revisit the ghostly delights of Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice in this eagerly awaited sequel?
