Credit: Warner Bros. Beetlejuice, the quirky and offbeat classic from 1988, remains a beloved film that has stood the test of time. With its unique combination of dark humor, supernatural elements, and the unforgettable performance by Michael Keaton, the movie carved out a place in cinematic history.
When fans finally got the long-awaited Tim Burton sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024), they were left with more than just a sense of nostalgia—they were left wondering: Is there potential for a Beetlejuice 3?
(Caution: Spoilers Ahead)
Revisiting the Ghost with the Most
In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, audiences were reintroduced to a now-older Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), a character who has evolved since her youthful days of being fascinated by the macabre. She now hosts a TV show, using her abilities to communicate with the dead to captivate audiences and make a living.
But her home life, much like her relationship with the spirit world, remains complicated. After the tragic death of her father, Lydia returns to the Connecticut home from the first film, where her story once again intersects with that of Beetlejuice, the outrageous “bio-exorcist” from the afterlife.
The sequel not only revisits Lydia’s relationship with the supernatural but also brings new characters into the mix, most notably her teenage daughter Astrid (played by Jenna Ortega). As the family’s connection to the afterlife deepens, the plot gives fans a new dynamic to explore, with Beetlejuice once again finding ways to inject chaos into their lives.
But it’s the question of where the franchise goes next that has sparked curiosity. With the film’s conclusion providing more than a few tantalizing threads to pull on, speculation about Beetlejuice 3 has only grown.
A Double Dose of Antagonists
While Beetlejuice has always been the wildcard of this supernatural universe—unpredictable, funny, but undeniably dangerous—the sequel introduced more threats into the mix. Not only does Beetlejuice’s antics return in full force, but a new villain emerges, creating a layered dynamic that sets up more opportunities for future chaos.
The film sees Beetlejuice face a centuries-old conflict with Delores, a malevolent spirit from his past who poses a direct threat to him and the Deetz family. This subplot adds a new layer of intrigue, giving Beetlejuice someone from his past who wants to keep him bound to the afterlife in ways even he can’t control.
Delores, with her terrifying abilities, becomes a significant foil for Beetlejuice, but the ultimate resolution leaves room for more tension to be explored.
On the other side, we see Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, come into her own as she discovers her own ability to interact with spirits. Her story arc introduces a new antagonist in the form of a deceptive ghost who manipulates her into a dangerous situation.
Beetlejuice’s involvement in saving Astrid further complicates his role, and fans are left questioning whether he’s still purely a villain, or if he’s capable of being a reluctant ally when the stakes are high enough.
The Storyline’s Potential for a Third Beetlejuice Film
At the end of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, several plot threads remain open, giving plenty of space for a third installment to expand on. The most pressing question centers around Beetlejuice himself.
The 2024 sequel hints at his return, even after the typical Beetlejuice antics lead to his temporary defeat. His larger-than-life persona, coupled with the unresolved dynamics between him, Lydia, and Astrid, create fertile ground for future stories.
There’s also the newly introduced idea that Lydia’s relationship with the afterlife is far from over. Her role as a mother and mentor to Astrid, now discovering her own supernatural abilities, gives the franchise a potential new direction. Astrid’s evolving role within the story could provide a new focal point in future installments, where her interactions with the spirit world play a key part in the narrative.
Additionally, the tension between Beetlejuice and the forces that seek to control him remains largely unresolved.
Delores, as a character, offers a glimpse into Beetlejuice’s past and the darker, more sinister aspects of his life before death. Exploring this relationship further, while also continuing to expand on the rules of the afterlife, could open up avenues for a third film to dive deeper into the mythology behind these characters.
Is Beetlejuice Really Gone?
One of the most talked-about aspects of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the lingering question of whether Beetlejuice himself is truly gone. Though Lydia manages to outsmart him once again, sending him back into the afterlife, the film leaves enough ambiguity to suggest that Beetlejuice’s story is far from over.
His ability to manipulate reality, paired with his charismatic persona, makes it hard to believe that audiences have seen the last of him.
The end of the sequel even teases more to come. The final moments provide a surreal, dream-like sequence that blurs the lines between what’s real and what’s imagined.
This narrative choice leaves fans wondering just how much of the movie’s events can be trusted and whether Beetlejuice’s influence extends far beyond the physical realm. His constant presence in Lydia’s life, even when she tries to escape it, suggests that he may always have a way of coming back, no matter how hard anyone tries to keep him at bay.
What Could Beetlejuice 3 Look Like?
If there’s one thing Beetlejuice fans know, it’s that the franchise thrives on unpredictability. Should a third film come to fruition, it would likely continue pushing the boundaries of the absurd and the fantastical.
With Lydia stepping into a new phase of life and Astrid developing her own connection to the spirit world, Beetlejuice 3 could focus on the next generation of ghostly encounters, with Astrid playing a more central role.
But no Beetlejuice film would be complete without the character himself. Whether he’s pulling strings from the shadows or taking on a more direct role in the plot, Beetlejuice remains the heart of the franchise. His unpredictable nature and chaotic energy ensure that he can’t be kept down for long, making him the perfect candidate to return in any future installments.
Will Jenna Ortega Replace Michael Keaton as ‘Beetlejuice’ Lead?
One of the most intriguing questions that has surfaced following the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is whether Jenna Ortega, who plays Lydia Deetz’s daughter Astrid, could potentially take over as the lead in the Beetlejuice franchise, replacing Michael Keaton’s iconic character.
Ortega, already a rising star with her involvement in other dark, supernatural projects like Wednesday, has captivated audiences with her portrayal of Astrid, a character with her own growing connection to the spirit world. This has led to speculation that the franchise may be evolving, with Ortega positioned as a successor of sorts to Keaton’s beloved ghostly figure.
However, the idea of Ortega replacing Keaton as the lead is more complex than it might initially appear. While Ortega’s performance brings a fresh, modern energy to the story, Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice is central to the franchise’s identity.
The mischievous, chaotic bio-exorcist that Keaton brought to life is both the comedic and narrative driving force of the films, and his unpredictable antics are what have made Beetlejuice a cult favorite for decades.
While Ortega’s Astrid could certainly become a more prominent figure in future installments, it’s unlikely that she could fully take on the mantle of “Beetlejuice” without losing the unique charm that Keaton’s portrayal brings.
That said, the franchise could explore a narrative where Astrid takes on a more active role in the supernatural realm, perhaps even challenging Beetlejuice or working alongside him. Ortega’s character could evolve into a more central figure, but Keaton’s Beetlejuice would likely remain a vital part of the story.
It’s not so much about replacing him as it is about expanding the universe to include both characters as pivotal players in the bizarre, ghostly world they inhabit.