The long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic Beetlejuice is almost here, and the first trailers are everything fans could have hoped for—eerily enchanting, eccentric, and uniquely Burtonesque. The film, titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, is set to hit theaters on September 6, 2024, and the new footage promises a delightful blend of nostalgia and fresh, spooky thrills.
The teaser, released on March 21, introduces Jenna Ortega as Astrid Deetz, the teenage daughter of Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz. The trailer opens with Ortega’s character cycling past Miss Shannon’s School for Girls, accompanied by a children’s choir singing the iconic “Day-O.” We catch glimpses of Ortega interacting with returning stars Ryder and Catherine O’Hara, and then, in a dramatic turn, Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) emerges from a model of Winter River, signaling his mischievous return.
The official trailers reveal even more of the film’s bizarre charm, featuring jump scares, elaborate costumes, and bizarre dance sequences. Directed by Tim Burton, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice continues the story with the Deetz family dealing with the aftereffects of an unexpected tragedy. When Astrid discovers a mysterious model of their town and inadvertently opens a portal to the afterlife, Beetlejuice reappears to wreak havoc.
The film reunites Keaton with O’Hara and Ryder, who reprise their roles as Beetlejuice and the Deetz family members. They are joined by Monica Bellucci as Beetlejuice’s wife and Willem Dafoe as an afterlife police officer. The screenplay comes from Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, the creators of Wednesday, adding a touch of their darkly whimsical style to the project.
After a lengthy development period and a production pause due to the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023, the film is now wrapping up. Burton and Keaton have emphasized their commitment to practical effects and a handcrafted feel, diverging from the high-tech trends of modern filmmaking.
Jenna Ortega has spoken about her role, noting the challenges and excitement of playing Astrid, whose relationship with Lydia is central to the film’s plot. Ortega describes her character as having a distinct personality from her mother, reflecting teenage rebellion and a touch of estrangement.
Fans of the original film and newcomers alike can look forward to a sequel that pays homage to its roots while exploring new, otherworldly territory. With the title hinting at further sequels, it’s clear that Beetlejuice’s reign as the “ghost with the most” is far from over.
For now, mark your calendars for September 6 and prepare to embrace the eccentric magic of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
