The sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 classic “Beetlejuice” is generating positive buzz ahead of its September release date. Early reviews have praised the chemistry between original star Winona Ryder and newcomer Jenna Ortega. Ortega plays Astrid Deetz, daughter of Ryder’s character Lydia Deetz. Director Tim Burton says the film explores the relationship between three generations of women in the Deetz family.
In the sequel, titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Ryder returns as Lydia Deetz. She remains enthusiastic about getting to work with Ortega. “We needed Jenna to be born, and grow up, because she is such a great performer,” Ryder stated. Ortega’s performance is reportedly integral to the film. Burton has called her character “kind of the anchor of the film.” The story focuses on Lydia’s journey into motherhood and her daughter Astrid’s skepticism about Lydia’s ability to see ghosts.
Other returning actors include Catherine O’Hara and Michael Keaton, who reprise their original roles. New cast members are Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, and Justin Theroux. Burton says the development process considered multiple possible endings to continue the beloved story satisfyingly. For Ryder, coming back to the role of Lydia was meaningful after previously expressing regret that a sequel to her other hit movie “Heathers” was never made.
The positive buzz for Ortega’s performance and her integration into the “Beetlejuice” world suggests Burton and the creative team found the right blend of nostalgia and new talent. Both longtime fans and new audiences seem poised to enjoy the film’s ghostly humor and atmosphere when it releases on September 6th. Fans can currently stream the original 1988 “Beetlejuice” on HBO Max or watch the animated series on Tubi to get in the mood for the highly anticipated sequel.
