Tim Burton on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Michael Keaton, Jenna Ortega, and Why Now Was the Perfect Time

I recently had the chance to sit down with Tim Burton and let me tell you, it was a truly wonderful experience! With the Beetlejuice sequel coming out, I was dying to hear his thoughts on bringing Michael Keaton back, working with Jenna Ortega, and why now is the right time for a sequel. If you’re as excited as I am, keep reading—there’s a lot you’ll want to know!

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice


On Keeping Beetlejuice Beetlejuice True to His Character

When I asked Tim if there was a temptation to make Beetlejuice Beetlejuice a little more heroic this time around, his answer was refreshing. Both he and Michael Keaton liked that Beetlejuice was politically incorrect back then—and guess what? He still is today! Tim shared a funny story: Someone asked Michael how his Beetlejuice character evolved, and they both laughed. In Tim’s words, “He didn’t evolve. That’s the point.”


Michael Keaton Returns as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

In Tim’s words, watching Michael Keaton return as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was like being “possessed by demons.” It was both exciting and unsettling for him, as if time had changed and he was back in the original film. There wasn’t much rehearsal involved, and they just went with the flow, making up scenes on the fly. Tim emphasized how important it was to capture that raw energy, especially with the pressure of live effects.



Why was now the time for a sequel

I had to know—why was now the time for a Beetlejuice Beetlejuice? Tim explained that the film had been in discussion since the original film, but nothing had been finalized until recently. What inspired him to move forward was his connection to Lydia, played by Winona Ryder. He asked himself, “What happened to her 35 years later? What does life look like for her now?”

It became a personal project for him, exploring themes of family and aging. It’s not just about a weird family, but it’s a reflection on life, death, and relationships as you grow older. It was something he could only handle after going through these experiences himself.


TRENDING


On quitting directing after Dumbo

I was surprised when Tim revealed that he thought about quitting directing after Dumbo. He didn’t like the studio system anymore and needed a change. So, he took a break and focused on his TV project, Wednesday, which gave him a chance to reset. This Beetlejuice Beetlejuice sequel wasn’t about the sequel for him – it was about making something he really wanted to do.


Jenna Ortega: The New Face of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

You may recognize Jenna Ortega from Wednesday, and according to Tim, she’s the anchor of this film. He explained that Jenna’s character is integral to the story, which revolves around her and her mother. Tim felt her presence made a beautiful addition to the film, making her a key character in this long-awaited sequel.


Will there be Beetlejuice Beetlejuice?

When asked about the possibility of a third Beetlejuice, Tim was clear on it. “Not yet,” he laughed, adding that by the time it happens, he’ll be over 100 years old. For now, he’s happy with the outcome of this sequel and isn’t thinking about another installment.


 

 Key PointDescription
 1. Why Beetlejuice Still   Matters Today Beetlejuice remains popular because of its quirky humor and memorable   characters.
 2. Michael Keaton’s Timeless Performance Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice character is just as wild and hilarious as ever,   without changing.
 3. Tim Burton’s Personal  Connection Tim Burton sees this sequel as a personal story, focusing on family and life   changes over time.
 4. The Magic of Improvisation Spontaneous scenes and improvisation between Tim and Michael added exciting   energy to the film.
 5. Jenna Ortega: The New Generation Jenna Ortega plays a pivotal role, anchoring the story as the key connection   between her character and her on-screen mother.
 6. Family Dynamics Shape the Plot The sequel explores the relationship between three generations—mother,   daughter, and granddaughter.
 7. Tim Burton’s Break from Filmmaking After Dumbo, Tim took a break from directing but returned with renewed passion   for the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
 8. What Fans Can Expect from the Sequel Fans will enjoy a mix of nostalgia and fresh elements, thanks to the returning cast   and new characters.
 9. No Plans for Beetlejuice 3 Yet Tim Burton isn’t thinking about a third Beetlejuice movie yet, focusing on   finishing this one.
 10. Life, Death, and Growing Up The core theme of the sequel touches on life, death, and growing up in a world   that’s both weird and relatable.

 

After hearing Tim’s thoughts, it’s clear that this Beetlejuice sequel is more than just a fun project – it’s personal to him. From the return of Michael Keaton to the addition of Jenna Ortega, this film promises to be a wild, nostalgic ride. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together, can you?

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