The sequel will see its debut on Max faster than you’re able to say “Beetlejuice” three times.Beetlejuice Beetlejuicewill arrive on Max on December 6, right on time for the Christmas season if you like to indulge in non-traditional movies instead ofthe usual family-friendly adventure.
6 Famous Actors Who Almost Played Beetlejuice
Michael Keaton will always be the iconic face behind Beetlejuice, but here are six other actors who almost took on the memorable role.
Tim Burton’s sequel to his 1988 classic,Beetlejuice Beetlejuicefollows the Deetz clan in modern times. Papa Charles is out of the picture for obvious reasons having to do with the performer (Google it), but the screenwriters use the character’s death to justify a family reunion. Lydia (Winona Ryder) is now the host of a talk show in which she flexes her ability to communicate with the dead. Her daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), has been estranged from her mother since her father died. When Lydia sees Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton) during one of her seances, she realizes it’s time to go back to Winter River.
When Astrid and Lydia reunite with Delia (Catherine O’Hara), Charles’ widow, they realize that Astrid may have inherited some of her mother’s powers. Meanwhile, in the underworld, Betelgeuse is running a full-blown bio-exorcism enterprise, but his former wife, Dolores (Monica Bellucci), returns to seek revenge. Eventually, he pairs up with Lydia to find Astrid, with a few conditions.
Ever sinceBeetlejuiceblew everyone’s minds in the late ‘80s, and Tim Burton got a blank check to make the bizarre and amusing films he’s known for, producers have tried to make aBeetlejuicesequel. you’re able to imagine the kind of production hell the project got stuck in, since 36 years had to pass until we saw the return ofcinema’s snarkiest bio-exorcist.
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ is Yet Another Winning Legacy Sequel
Released in September 2024,Beetlejuice Beetlejuicewas very well-received among audiences and critics. It made over $451 million at the box office, and it holds a 77% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Ryder returned for the sequel following a career renaissance that kicked off withStranger Things. Michael Keaton was probably the most non-negotiable part ofBeetlejuice Beetlejuice. Without him, it just wouldn’t have worked, and Burton recognized this by giving the character more screen time and freedom to be himself.
But Ortega’s addition to the cast was the necessary ingredient to make the film more appealing to modern audiences. This couldn’t have been a coincidence, especially since she gave such a good performance in Netflix’sWednesday, also a Burton project. As strange as it sounds, theBeetlejuicesequel is actually more “appropriate” for younger audiences than the first, with its toned-down depiction of death and what comes after. So, while it doesn’t have a Christmas theme, it could bea good gateway pickfor movie night in case you want to introduce the kids to horror comedies.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the sequel to the original Tim Burton classic that starred Michael Keaton and Wynona Rider in a horror-comedy that involved ghosts trying to scare off new homebuyers from taking their house. The sequel brings back Michael Keaton as the hilarious and sleazy ghost with selfish intentions, now joined by Jenna Ortega in a new role.
