It’s just a matter of weeks until Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is released in theaters, nearly four decades after the original.
The long-awaited sequel to Beetlejuice (1988) is finally set to hit theaters on September 6, 2024, a staggering 36 years after the original film became a beloved cult classic.
Known for its dark humor, gothic aesthetics, and Michael Keaton’s unforgettable portrayal of the mischievous poltergeist Beetlejuice, the original film holds a special place in the hearts of many moviegoers. Now, with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Tim Burton returns to the director’s chair for the Warner Bros. film, promising to bring fans back into the bizarre and whimsical world of the undead.
The sequel brings back several iconic characters from the original film, much to the excitement of fans.
Michael Keaton reprises his role as Beetlejuice, the eccentric and chaotic ghost who thrives on mischief. Winona Ryder returns as Lydia Deetz, the goth teenager who famously summoned Beetlejuice in the first film. This time, Lydia is all grown up and a mother herself.
The role of her daughter, Astrid Deetz, is played by Jenna Ortega, a rising star known for her work in Burton’s Wednesday series on Netflix. Also returning is Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz, Lydia’s quirky mother, adding another layer of nostalgia to the mix.
In addition to the returning cast, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice introduces several new characters that promise to add fresh dynamics to the story. Justin Theroux plays Lydia’s husband, who, like his wife, can see and interact with Beetlejuice.
Willem Dafoe joins the cast as an afterlife detective, a character that is sure to bring a unique and entertaining twist to the story. Monica Bellucci plays Beetlejuice’s ex-wife, a role that hints at even more chaos and conflict in the afterlife. The film also features a cameo from Danny DeVito, another frequent collaborator with Burton, which adds to the excitement surrounding the project.
The plot of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice remains largely under wraps, but some details have emerged. The story is expected to revolve around Lydia as she navigates the challenges of adulthood and motherhood while also dealing with the re-emergence of Beetlejuice in her life.
Astrid, Lydia’s daughter, appears to be at the center of the conflict, which sets Lydia on a quest to save her daughter, leading her to once again summon Beetlejuice for help—though his assistance is sure to come with its own set of complications.
While the official sequel to Beetlejuice has been eagerly awaited for decades, there is another Tim Burton film that has often been considered an unofficial sequel: Corpse Bride (2005), as noted by ScreenRant.
In this animated feature, Johnny Depp voices Victor Van Dort, a timid and anxious young man who accidentally finds himself betrothed to a deceased bride, sending him into a whimsical yet eerie world of the dead. The film’s dark yet heartwarming exploration of the afterlife shares many thematic and stylistic elements with Beetlejuice, making it a spiritual successor of sorts.
Corpse Bride is a masterclass in stop-motion animation, a medium that enhances the film’s otherworldly atmosphere. The detailed and expressive character designs, combined with the rich, gothic visuals, create a world that feels both familiar and fresh to fans of Burton’s earlier work.
Victor’s journey through the land of the dead echoes the surreal and chaotic afterlife portrayed in Beetlejuice, where the boundaries between the living and the dead are fluid and full of surprises.
Johnny Depp’s performance as Victor is central to the film’s charm. He brings a vulnerability and innocence to the character, making Victor’s adventures in the afterlife both poignant and humorous.
The character’s interactions with the lively and eccentric denizens of the underworld bear a strong resemblance to the quirky spirits that inhabit the world of Beetlejuice. Both films explore themes of love, loss, and the idea that death is not the end, but rather a continuation of life’s strange journey.
The connection between Beetlejuice and Corpse Bride is further strengthened by Tim Burton’s consistent use of gothic motifs and dark humor. Both films balance the macabre with the whimsical, creating narratives that are as emotionally resonant as they are visually stunning.
The stop-motion animation in Corpse Bride adds a tactile, handcrafted quality to the film, much like the practical effects used in Beetlejuice, which gave that film its distinctive, offbeat charm.
For fans eagerly awaiting the release of Beetlejuice 2, revisiting Corpse Bride offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the kind of world only Tim Burton can create. The film serves as a reminder of Burton’s ability to blend dark themes with heart and humor, a combination that made Beetlejuice a classic in the first place.