Tim Burton, an iconic filmmaker renowned for his unique approach to gothic storytelling, has left an indelible mark on the world of spooky cinema, particularly with his 1988 classic <em>Beetlejuice</em>. This film has become a cornerstone of Halloween entertainment and has seen a resurgence with its much-anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, set to release in 2024. However, the likelihood of a third installment in this beloved franchise seems bleak, as indicated by Burton himself.

In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Burton humorously remarked, “It took 35 years to make the second one, so by that time I’ll be 105,” when asked about the prospects of a Beetlejuice 3. He expressed these thoughts while promoting Beetlejuice Beetlejuice alongside his star, Jenna Ortega, who is also making waves in the acclaimed Netflix series Wednesday. Despite the exciting news of Wednesday being renewed for a third season, fans of Beetlejuice should temper their expectations regarding a sequel, with Burton further stating:

“I know those odds are not good. I really, really enjoyed making this one, and [Warner Bros.] didn’t even really want to do it. We did it the same way I did the first one, with the actors doing improv. It was beautiful to see some of the old cast and have Jenna. But it’s like trying to re-create the Wednesday dance scene. I love the characters, but I don’t necessarily see it.”

Is a Third Beetlejuice Movie Possible?

In the latest installment, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Jenna Ortega takes on the role of Astrid, the daughter of Winona Ryder’s iconic character, Lydia, from the original film. In this narrative, Lydia is compelled to summon the chaotic poltergeist, Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), decades after she initially trapped him. The plot thickens when Astrid accidentally finds herself trapped in the eerie Netherworld, prompting a rescue mission led by Beetlejuice and Lydia. Their goal is not only to save Astrid but also to thwart Beetlejuice’s sinister plan to force Lydia into marriage once more. A surprising twist occurs at the film’s climax, where Astrid experiences a nightmarish vision of giving birth to a bizarre Beetlejuice baby. While Burton appears to be doubtful about a third film’s viability, Ortega has shared her own imaginative ideas:

“Maybe Astrid dies and goes to heaven instead [of the films’ Netherworld]. They should just take Baby Beetlejuice on tour and send him to Hawaii.”

Despite her creative musings, Ortega made it clear that she would not want to participate in another Beetlejuice film without the involvement of Burton. “Oh, I would never. I also think anybody would be really wrong to get behind that project,” she stated. “Without him involved, what is it? It is what it is because of Tim. There’s no other film you can compare Beetlejuice to. So why would you do that? That would be a tad disrespectful.” Thus, while the desire for more adventures with the poltergeist remains, it seems fans will need to be content with just the original two films for the foreseeable future.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is currently available for streaming, offering fans a chance to revel in the quirky and eerie charm of this beloved franchise.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter