BEHIND-THE-SCENES SECRETS OF “BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE” MAKE THE SEQUEL EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is one of the most satisfying legacy sequels in recent memory. With Michael Keaton slipping effortlessly back into the role of Betelgeuse and Jenna Ortega making a compelling new lead, it’s hard not to fall in love with this gothic masterpiece. But beyond the endearing performances, the film’s wild and wacky making-of process makes it even more incredible.
CHARLES DEETZ’S SHOCKING STOP-MOTION DEATH SCENE WAS BASED ON BURTON’S WORST NIGHTMARE
Tim Burton’s penchant for darkness and eccentricity shines through in the movie’s visuals, from Charles Deetz’s gruesome shark attack demise to the Stop-Motion animated sequence in which Charles survives the crash, almost drowns, and gets eaten by a shark. This nightmarish scenario was straight out of Burton’s worst nightmare and a testament to his dark imagination.
DELORES’ RESURRECTION SCENE WAS A “LIVE EVENT”
Delores’ resurrection in the sequel is a memorable moment in the film. To pull off this iconic scene, Burton and his team went all out with practical methods, using multiple performers as Delores’ body parts. The outcome was nothing short of genius, leaving audiences in awe.
KEATON AS BETELGEUSE MAKES FANS LAUGH
Catherine O’Hara had a knack for cracking Justin Theroux and making him break character. In his interview with Entertainment Weekly, Theroux talked about constantly laughing at her and being the one to crack Ortega up, proving how infectious her presence is.
BURTON KEPT THE SEQUEL FRESH BY FORGETTING THE ORIGINAL SCRIPT
As the director, Tim Burton made a bold move to avoid re-reading previous scripts and consulted no writers who had already worked on Beetlejuice 2. This way, the sequel could maintain its own unique identity while still maintaining the essence of the first film.
DVETHO ACCEPTED THE ROLE OF THE JANITOR “IN A MINUTE”
Cameos, in a film, especially ones where actors are fully committed like Danny DeVito’s take on the unapologetic janitor, often add a sense of freshness to the sequel. Given the rapport DeVito shares with Burton and the natural ease with which he devoured the script, there’s no question he became the perfect pick for the role.
BUDDING BETELGUSE IS VOICED BY BURTON
One creepy moment in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is Baby Betelgeuse. Voiced by none other than Tim Burton, his distinctive voice imbues Baby Betelgeuse with a sense of menace.
THE “MACARTHUR PARK” DANCE SEQUENCE WASN’T ORIGINALLY SCRIPTED
In the most epic twist, the now-iconic “MacArthur Park” dance sequence almost didn’t make it to the script. Burton stepped in with his own addition, introducing a musical moment that complements the surreal nature of the film’s climax, and cemented Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in the annals of history.
These offbeat moments make Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, not only a worthy follow-up, but a movie that cements its legacy in Tim Burton’s remarkable career as a master storyteller, where the director’s worst nightmares, outrageous antics, and a refusal to rest on his laurels made for a mesmerizing motion picture.