'Beetlejuice 2': New additions, expected plot, anticipated twists in store
What's the story
The much-anticipated sequel to Tim Burton's Beetlejuice, aptly titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, has released a new poster.
The poster showcases the eerie yet comical horror that awaits audiences.
Michael Keaton returns in his iconic role as bio-exorcist Betelgeuse, alongside original co-stars Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara in the Burton directorial.
The cast also welcomes new additions Jenna Ortega, Arthur Conti, and Willem Dafoe.
From plot to release date, here's everything about Beetlejuice 2.
Production details
'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' production details and synopsis
The screenplay for Beetlejuice 2 is penned by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar—co-creators and co-showrunners of Wednesday, another Burton creation.
The official synopsis reads: "Beetlejuice is back! After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic, and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened."
Trailer release
When will the trailer be released?
The premiere trailer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was released in March, revealing the full plot and introducing new characters alongside familiar faces.
The trailer featured Keaton's iconic striped suit in a waiting room from the first film.
Fans can look forward to fresh footage set to drop Thursday (May 23), offering another glimpse into the great beyond with Keaton's grimy ghoul.
Notably, the trailer also includes a recognizable tune from the first movie.
Twitter Post
Take a look at the poster here
We saved a seat for you. Trailer Thursday.#Beetlejuice#Beetlejuice - Only in theaters September 6. pic.twitter.com/bj4ZMI6Xs3
— Warner Bros. Pictures (@wbpictures) May 21, 2024
Casting updates
Meet the new cast members and characters
In March 2023, Variety reported that Ortega was in talks to play Astrid Deetz.
By May, Danny Elfman announced his return to compose the score for the sequel while Ortega was confirmed as a star.
Dafoe later revealed his character as an afterlife police officer who used to be a B movie action star before dying in an accident.
O'Hara reprises her role as Delia Deetz while Monica Bellucci joins the cast as Betelgeuse's wife.
Release date
When will the film hit theaters?
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is scheduled for theatrical release in the US by Warner Bros. Pictures on September 6.
Initially announced in February 2022 as a project produced by Brad Pitt's studio Plan B alongside Warner Bros., Burton originally stated he was not involved but later backtracked saying, "Nothing is out of the question."
He ultimately returned as director and now seeks to make the film feel "handmade."
Production elements
When Burton discussed the 'emotional hook' of the film
In addition to Elfman's score, the film will also feature Harry Belafonte's 1955 song Day-O, which was featured in the first Beetlejuice movie.
Meanwhile, in a previous interview with EW, Burton stated, "Unless it felt right, (I) had no burning desire to do it...It only made sense if it had an emotional hook."
According to Burton, this emotional hook is a death in the Deetz family which sets things in motion for the film's plot.