Warner Brothers has unveiled the first look at the upcoming sequel to Tim Burton’s cult classic, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” sending chills (and thrills) down the spines of horror fans everywhere.
The eagerly awaited film boasts the return of several familiar faces. Michael Keaton slips back into the iconic (and endlessly quotable) bio-exorcist Beetlejuice, with Winona Ryder resurrecting her role as the gothic Lydia Deetz. Catherine O’Hara also reprises her part as the eccentric Delia Deetz.
Newcomers joining the cast include Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, and Justin Theroux in a currently undisclosed role named Rory.
Decades after the afterlife antics with the Maitlands, Lydia Deetz returns to Winter River, a storm cloud hanging over her following a family loss. But the creaky halls of the old house hold a secret beyond just memories. Lydia’s fiercely independent daughter, Astrid, stumbles upon a hidden attic treasure – a miniature replica of the town.
As Astrid tinkers with the model, a long-dormant portal to the Neitherworld flickers open. Unbeknownst to them, trouble stirs in both the living world and the land of the deceased. One mischievous name uttered three times – Beetlejuice – and the bio-exorcist with a penchant for chaos is back, ready to paint the town (or rather, the miniature town) red with his signature brand of pandemonium.
Official Synopsis
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. With trouble brewing in both realms, it’s only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.
Specific plot details are under wraps, but the trailer hints at a dark family secret involving a death within the Deetz clan (possibly Lydia’s father). This event appears to be the catalyst for Beetlejuice’s return to the land of the living, no doubt with his usual brand of chaotic mischief in tow.
Director Tim Burton, known for his darkly whimsical style, describes the sequel as a return to “back-to-basics, handmade quality” filmmaking. This approach aligns with the use of stop-motion animation, a technique that echoes the original film’s visual effects.
Burton also mentions the importance of finding an emotional core for the sequel. He reveals a focus on Lydia’s character, exploring her transformation from “cool teenager to lame adult, back and forth again.” This character arc seems to be the linchpin that binds the original cast together for this new adventure.
The unique title, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” reflects Burton’s desire to avoid a conventional sequel naming scheme. While acknowledging the time-lapse, he felt it wasn’t a straightforward “Beetlejuice 2” scenario.
Mark your calendars, horror enthusiasts! “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” slithers into theaters on September 6, 2024. With its returning stars, a mysterious plot, and Tim Burton’s signature gothic flair, this sequel promises to be a must-see for fans of the original and horror comedies in general.
The teaser trailer itself offers tantalizing glimpses into the haunting world of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” Flashes of the iconic Miss Shannon’s School for Girls and the ominous red-covered bridge from the original film make appearances, stoking nostalgia for longtime fans. A soft, eerie rendition of Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O” plays hauntingly over the footage, adding to the atmospheric dread. While plot specifics remain closely guarded, these visual callbacks hint at a continuation of the delightfully macabre tone that made the first film a cult phenomenon.
Check out the trailer below.
