In a delightful twist for fans of the macabre and whimsical, Winona Ryder and Tim Burton have secretly collaborated to bring “Beetlejuice 2” to life. The original 1988 film, a unique blend of horror, fantasy, and comedy, has long been a cult favorite, and the news of a sequel has been met with eager anticipation.
The shooting script for “Beetlejuice 2” has been written, and Tim Burton is ready to return as director. Winona Ryder, who played the iconic role of Lydia Deetz, has indicated her readiness to reprise her character. The only piece missing from this puzzle is Michael Keaton, whose portrayal of the mischievous bio-exorcist ghost, Beetlejuice, became legendary. Keaton is currently letting the publicity pot simmer before making his final decision, but the hope is high that he will return to the role that helped cement his status as a star.
The original “Beetlejuice” was an impossible-to-categorize film that told the story of a young couple who, after dying in a car accident, continue to “live” in their home as ghosts. When they fail to scare away the new owners of their house, they hire Beetlejuice, a “professional” bio-exorcist ghost, to do the job. The chaos that ensues is worse than sharing their home with the new tenants. The film’s blend of nightmarish horror and goofy slapstick, along with its hairpin narrative turns, made it a unique cinematic experience. Critics were divided, but the film established Burton as a fresh visionary in cinema, and his legion of fans has only grown since.
Promoting his upcoming fantasy adventure film “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” Tim Burton addressed the long-standing rumors about a “Beetlejuice” sequel. Burton confirmed that he has discussed the project with Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, among others. He expressed his interest in the material, stating, “It’s something that I really would like to do in the right circumstances, but it’s one of those films where it has to be right. It’s not a kind of a movie that cries out [for a sequel], it’s not the Beetlejuice trilogy.”
Reports of a “Beetlejuice” sequel date back to 1990, with renewed interest around 2011. Burton, known for his dark fantasy films, has worked in Hollywood since the mid-’80s, directing a host of hits that have sealed his legacy. His films include “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” “Batman,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “Batman Returns,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and “Big Fish.” His most recent work includes “Big Eyes,” which won Amy Adams a Golden Globe award for her performance, and he produced “Alice Through The Looking Glass,” which garnered negative reviews.
Meanwhile, Michael Keaton is set to star in the upcoming biographical film “The Founder,” based on Ray Kroc’s acquisition of the McDonald’s fast food chain. Winona Ryder will star in the upcoming Netflix drama “Stranger Things.”
The prospect of “Beetlejuice 2” is tantalizing for fans who have long awaited a return to the bizarre and beloved world that Burton created. The original film’s success lay in its ability to blend the macabre with the whimsical, creating a narrative that was both disjointed and compelling. Burton’s unique vision and the chemistry between the cast made “Beetlejuice” a standout film of its time.
The potential sequel promises to bring back the same magic, with Burton at the helm and Ryder ready to step back into her role. The hope is that Keaton will also return, bringing his devilish charm to the character of Beetlejuice once more. The world, both the living and the beyond, could use some good news, and the return of “Beetlejuice” might just be the perfect antidote to the current times.
As fans eagerly await further news, the collaboration between Winona Ryder and Tim Burton to bring “Beetlejuice 2” to life remains a beacon of hope. The original film’s legacy continues to grow, and the sequel promises to add a new chapter to the story that has captivated audiences for decades.
Source: Collider, The Playlist
