Key Takeaways:
– Director Tim Burton discusses the non-evolving nature of Beetlejuice.
– Michael Keaton returns as Beetlejuice, without any rehearsals.
– The sequel becomes a personal project for Burton, focusing on Lydia's character development.
– Jenna Ortega is recognized as an integral part in the sequel.
– Tim Burton has no immediate plans for a third Beetlejuice installment.
The time is ticking for the much awaited return of the Ghost with the Most in the upcoming “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice.” Warner Bros. recently held a glitzy press event in New York City where director Tim Burton, accompanied by the film's stars, shared some interesting tidbits about the sequel. Let's dive into the highlights from the press roundtable…
Tim Burton on Michael Keaton's Iconic Return
Michael Keaton's phenomenal work as Beetlejuice still echoes in our minds. Burton recalls the iconic performance saying, “We didn't rehearse… he comes on, it was truly like a demon possession… it was really also disturbing.” Yet it was this very disturbing factor that gave the film its unique energy, praising Keaton's inventive spirit.
The Ever-Persistent Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice isn't exactly known for his political correctness, which is why Burton loves him. When asked if there were any efforts to make Beetlejuice more heroic this time, he had a laughable reply, “Somebody asked him the other day, ‘so Michael, how has the Beetlejuice character evolved?' And we just started laughing, because he doesn't evolve. That's the whole point.”
Why It Took So Long For the Sequel
Delving into the long curious anticipation regarding the sequel, Burton explains there was no instant click. Finally, the hook came from his emotional connection with the character, Lydia. Burton further added, “And it's not something I could have done back then. It's only something you could do once you experienced those things yourself… With this becoming a very personal movie.”
Defying Sequel Stigma and Reinventing Cinematic Approach
Despite the commercial success of Dumbo, Burton almost abandoned movie directing. He focused on resting his cinematic creativity before returning to work on Beetlejuice's sequel, detaching from the pressure or desire to make a sequel and focusing on creating a movie that he truly wanted to make.
Jenna Ortega Enters the World of the Supernatural
Burton introduced Wednesday star Jenna Ortega, commending her as the “anchor of the film.” Her character seems to hold a significant position in the storyline, outlining not just her journey, but her relationship with her mother as well.
No Plans for a Third Beetlejuice Film
Finally, Burton plainly stated that pursuing a third Beetlejuice installment isn't on his to-do list anytime soon. However, who knows what the future might hold?
That's all for the sneak peek into the directorial insights of Beetlejuice's long-awaited sequel. Don't miss our official review of “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” tomorrow morning for even more spooky surprises. Stay tuned!
