The Ghost with the Most is almost here for another round of terror. After 36 years ofbiding his timein the afterlife waiting room,Michael Keaton’s miscreant returns in just under three weeks forBeetlejuice Beetlejuice. The film is a much overdue reunion with Betelgeuse as the Deetz family, now includingJenna Ortega, return to their home in Winter River, and unwittingly pave the way back for him to the land of the living. According toTim Burton, he hasn’t changed one bit in all that time either. During a roundtable discussion with Collider’sPerri Nemiroff, the director said that audiences will see the bio-exorcist as “politically incorrect” as ever in the long-awaited sequel.
The originalBeetlejuice, with a story and screenplay penned byMichael McDowellalongsideLarry WilsonandWarren Skaarenrespectively, didn’t hold back in its portrayal of its title characteras a grubby sleazeball. His crude gestures and womanizing tendencies were loud and proud, completely creeping out the Maitlands in the process and offending just about everyone he came across. His bad behavior peaked with him nearly forcing the Deetz family’s young daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder) into marriage until her ghost friends were able to save the day. Outside the confines of the movie, however, he’s become a mascot of sorts, embracing more of a prankster and scammer aura than that of an uncouth demon. That change can especially be seenin the animated series, which instead made Betelgeuse and Lydia best friends for more kid-friendly adventures.
Despite everything that’s happened to the character in the years since, Burton assured thathe’s never been swayed by the idea of evolving Betelgeuse beyond his sleazy tendencies. The same principle applies to all of his movies that have been called too “dark.” He’s not alone in that thinking, as Keaton similarly agrees that, for a sequel that’s been three and a half decades in the making,they had to let the juice fully loose. Burton said:
“My whole career, there have always been people, like, ‘This is too dark, which I never saw my films asdark. I’ve seen much darker films thanmyfilms. I don’t really know what they’re talking about, you know what I mean? But I think Michael [Keaton] and I both love the fact that he was politically incorrect then, and he’s politically incorrect now. [Laughs] I’m just laughing because somebody asked him the other day, ‘Michael, how does Beetlejuice’s character evolve?’ And we just started laughing because he doesn’t evolve — that’s the whole point!”
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Stays True to the Original’s Methods
Beetlejuice Beetlejuiceis largely following the formula for what made the original such a macabre classic. In addition to spotlighting the Ghost with the Most, Burton once again put a huge emphasis onpractical effects and stop-motionto replicate the silly, supernatural, and handmade feel ofBeetlejuice’s world. The movie evenbrings back the iconic “Day-O” songthat made for an iconic dance sequence. Critics and audiences will ultimately decide if the sequel lives up to the classic, but it’s alreadyearned the stamp of approval from Keatonfor its efforts. He further attested to how fun it was to get the band back together, making forone of the most enjoyable filming experienceshe’s had in some time.
In addition to Keaton and Ryder, the film also brings backCatherine O’Haraas Lydia’s mother, Delia Deetz. New additions, alongside Ortega, includeJustin Therouxas Lydia’s husband Rory,Willem Dafoeas the action star turned afterlife copWolf Jackson,Monica Belluccias Betelgeuse’s ex-wife Delores, andBurn Gormanas a reverend unfortunate enough to live in Winter River. There may be a few more surprises in store as well,asDanny DeVitocould be spotted in the traileras a dead janitor.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuicearrives in theaters on September 6. In the meantime, check outour helpful guide herefor everything to know about the spooky sequel. And stay tuned for more from Nemiroff’s chat with the cast and crew behind the sequel.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The sequel to the cult classic brings back the infamous ghost Beetlejuice, who is unleashed upon a modern family, setting off a chain of hilarious and supernatural events. As mischief ensues, both the living and the deceased must deal with the resulting chaos, blending comedic antics with ghostly intrigue.
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