Fans have been thrilled ever since Tim Burton announced the long-awaited sequel to the 1988 horror-comedy Beetlejuice. The new movie will bring back original cast members like Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, and also introduce new actors like Jenna Ortega.
The wait is almost over, with the release date for Beetlejuice 2 now announced, along with a full-length trailer. Excitement is growing as fans wonder how the story will continue from the original movie and what surprises the sequel will bring. Before the movie’s release, here’s a quick refresher on the original film.
A Quick Recap of Beetlejuice
In Tim Burton’s fantasy world, the 1988 movie follows a ghostly couple trying to scare away a living family from their home. The story begins when Barbara (played by Geena Davis) and Adam (Alec Baldwin) die in an accident and return as ghosts, stuck in their house. Their home is then sold to the quirky Deetz family, including Charles (Jeffrey Jones), his eccentric second wife Delia (Catherine O’Hara), and their goth-loving daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder). Chaos ensues with the arrival of Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), a mischievous ghost who specializes in scaring away the living.
In Beetlejuice 2, many years have passed, and Lydia is now a mother.
Return of the Characters
Tim Burton is back as the director, and the original cast is reuniting with some new faces in Beetlejuice 2. Winona Ryder will return as Lydia, and Catherine O’Hara will reprise her role as Lydia’s stepmother, who is now also a step-grandmother to Lydia’s daughter. The sequel will introduce Lydia’s new family, bringing fresh dynamics to the story.
Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice
Michael Keaton is returning as Beetlejuice, but reports suggest he may have less screen time than in the first movie. In a recent interview with GQ, Keaton mentioned that Beetlejuice isn’t the main focus of the storyline this time around. He said, “I think the Beetlejuice character doesn’t drive the story as much as he did in the first one. He’s more part of the storyline in this one, as opposed to the first one, where he was a central force that drove the movie.”
New Cast Members
The sequel will introduce new characters, reflecting Lydia’s expanded family. Lydia is now married and will be joined by her husband Rory (played by Justin Theroux) and their daughter Astrid (played by Jenna Ortega). Willem Dafoe and Monica Bellucci are also part of the cast.
Willem Dafoe will play a former B-movie star turned detective in the afterlife. In a recent interview, Dafoe shared, “I play a police officer in the afterlife, so I’m a dead person. In life, I was a B-movie action star, but I had an accident, which sent me to the other side. Because of my skills, I became a detective in the afterlife.”
New Storyline
Beetlejuice 2 will focus on the complicated relationship between Lydia and her daughter Astrid. The Deetz family returns to Winter River after a tragic event, and Lydia is still haunted by Beetlejuice. Meanwhile, her rebellious daughter discovers a mysterious portal to the afterlife. The film will explore how the Deetz family and the mother-daughter duo deal with these eerie events.
With Tim Burton’s signature style, fans are eagerly awaiting Beetlejuice 2. Burton, known for iconic films like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, Sleepy Hollow, and the recent Netflix hit Wednesday starring Jenna Ortega, is sure to bring his cinematic magic to the sequel.
Before the new movie comes out, you might want to rewatch the original Beetlejuice. You can stream it on Netflix and Amazon Prime. Let us know what you think about Beetlejuice 2—we’re excited to hear your thoughts!
