In a recent revelation that has stirred the spirits of film enthusiasts, Michael Keaton has divulged details about the long-anticipated sequel to his 1988 fantastical comedy, ‘Beetlejuice’. During a candid conversation with People magazine, the veteran actor, renowned for his portrayal of the mischievous and eponymous ghost, reflected on the decision to revisit the bizarre and beloved world alongside director Tim Burton after several decades.
The original film, which became a cult classic, revolved around the antics of Beetlejuice, a rambunctious poltergeist employed by a deceased couple to scare away the new living inhabitants of their home. The sequel’s prospect filled both Keaton and Burton with a mix of excitement and trepidation. “We thought, ‘You got to get this right. Otherwise, just don’t do it. Let’s just go on with our lives and do other things.’ So I was hesitant and cautious, and [Burton] was probably equally as hesitant and cautious over all these years,” Keaton recounted. It was the pursuit of authenticity and a heartfelt narrative that ultimately convinced them to proceed. Once the production wheels started turning, Keaton expressed enthusiasm – “OK, let’s just go for it. Let’s just see if we can do it if we can pull this off.”
The sequel, tentatively titled ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’, sees Keaton reunited with co-stars Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara. They will be joined by a stellar cast including Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, and Justin Theroux. In the film, which wrapped production in Vermont this past November, Ryder’s character Lydia has a daughter, portrayed by Ortega. Dafoe takes on the role of an afterlife law enforcement officer, and Bellucci breathes life into Beetlejuice’s wife. The storyline is kept tightly under wraps, but anticipation is high for the unique blend of dark comedy and supernatural elements that made the original a cinematic staple.
Tim Burton, who directed the Wednesday series featuring Ortega, along with co-showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, is at the helm of this spectral sequel. Bellucci, Dafoe, and Ortega, newcomers to the ‘Beetlejuice’ universe, are expected to elevate the enigmatic charm of the franchise.
Keaton shed light on his and Burton’s approach to this 21st-century iteration, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the tactile, practical effects that were hallmarks of the original. “It had to feel handmade,” Keaton insisted, reflecting fondly on the low-tech magic that brought Beetlejuice’s world to life. “What made it fun was watching somebody in the corner actually holding something up for you, to watch everybody in the shrunken headroom and say, ‘Those are people under there, operating these things, trying to get it right.'”
The actor spoke nostalgically about the joy of physical engagement on set, contrasting it with modern reliance on green screens and CGI. “It’s the most exciting thing when you get to do that again after years of standing in front of a giant screen, pretending somebody’s across the way from you,” Keaton said.
Moviegoers are eager to see what new delights and frights are in store when ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ materializes on the silver screen. The film’s release is scheduled for September 6, igniting a buzz that could only be likened to the raucous spirit of Beetlejuice himself.
The upcoming film not only promises to whisk audiences away on another supernatural adventure but also serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the original. Keaton and Burton’s cautious approach and their commitment to the ‘handmade’ aesthetic signal their dedication to honoring the legacy while exploring new, darkly comedic horizons.
Whether ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ will recapture the irreverent charm of its predecessor remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Michael Keaton is ready to resurrect the chaos and laughter that Beetlejuice brings wherever he goes. With the countdown to release ticking away, fans of the franchise are holding their breaths for what could be the most spirited comeback in movie history.
