The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival is set to roll out the red carpet for Hollywood heavyweights, as it opens in grand fashion with the world premiere of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” on Wednesday night. This eagerly anticipated sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 horror-comedy classic promises to inject the Lido with a dash of the supernatural, courtesy of an all-star cast including Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, Catherine O’Hara, and Monica Bellucci.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” continues the bizarre and darkly humorous saga of the Deetz family, now anchored by the return of Ryder’s morose Lydia. Lydia, having navigated her teen years in the fog of gothic morbidity, is now the mother to her own equally disaffected teenage daughter, Astrid, portrayed by Jenna Ortega of Netflix’s hit series “Wednesday.” Just as Lydia once did, Astrid inadvertently awakens the troublemaking ghost played by Keaton after discovering an old model city in the attic of their family’s country home—a remnant of the original film’s hauntingly whimsical set.
The film, distributed by Warner Bros., will debut out of competition at the festival, and it is scheduled for a major theatrical release worldwide next week. Its premiere marks the beginning of a bustling 10-day cinematic extravaganza on the Lido, the slender island across the Venetian lagoon that has been the festival’s residence since 1932. The festival is expected to see a deluge of stars, including the beloved duo of George Clooney and Brad Pitt, who are set to electrify the event later in the week with the out-of-competition premiere of “Wolfs.”
The festival’s grand finale on September 7 promises to be equally striking, with the wrap-up screening of Kevin Costner’s epic saga, “Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 2,” preceding the highly anticipated awards ceremony.
Competition for the prestigious Golden Lion this year is fierce, with a slate of stellar films vying for the top honor. This includes Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux,” a follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2019 film starring Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix. Another heavyweight contender is Pablo Larraín’s biographical film “Maria,” featuring Angelina Jolie as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas.
Adding to the diversity of genres is “Babygirl,” an erotic thriller directed by Halina Reijn starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson. Luca Guadagnino dives into the literary world with his adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel “Queer,” starring Daniel Craig. Pedro Almodóvar makes his English-language debut with “The Room Next Door,” a film starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton that has already generated significant buzz.
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As anticipation builds, the Venice Film Festival stands out not just as a showcase of cinematic brilliance but as a cultural beacon that bridges the worlds of international and English cinema. This year’s lineup reflects the festival’s commitment to presenting a diverse array of films that push the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry.
Michael Keaton, who reprises his role as the eponymous Beetlejuice, expressed his enthusiasm for the project in a pre-festival interview. “Returning to this character after so many years has been an absolute blast,” said Keaton. “Tim [Burton] has a way of creating worlds that are at once eerie and enchanting, and it’s been great to dive back into that.”
Winona Ryder, whose character Lydia has transformed from a gloomy teenager to a mother, also reflected on her journey. “Lydia’s evolution has been fascinating,” Ryder remarked. “Playing her as an adult with a teenage daughter provides a new layer of depth and humor to the story.”
Jenna Ortega, a rising star who has already made waves with her portrayal of Wednesday Addams, expressed her excitement at joining a cast of such esteemed actors. “It’s an honor to be part of this legacy,” Ortega said. “Astrid is a complex character, and I think audiences will relate to her in unexpected ways.”
Director Tim Burton, known for his distinctive visual style and imaginative storytelling, has assured fans that the sequel will stay true to the original’s quirky and macabre charm while introducing new elements to captivate a contemporary audience. “We wanted to honor what made the first film special while exploring fresh territory,” Burton explained. “It’s been a labor of love for everyone involved.”
As the festival unfolds, all eyes will be on Venice, where the convergence of Hollywood glamour, cinematic innovation, and international artistry promises to deliver unforgettable moments both on and off the screen. The 81st Venice Film Festival is poised to be a spectacular celebration of the magic of film, heralding another year of ground-breaking productions and timeless tales.
