Who Stars in Beetlejuice? (1988) Cast & Characters Revisited Ahead Of The New Movie

by

As a long-time cinephile and connoisseur of all things Tim Burton, I must say that Beetlejuice remains one of my all-time favorite films. The way it blends horror, comedy, and the eccentricity that is so synonymous with Burton’s work is truly unparalleled.

1988 saw the release of Beetlejuice, a movie that has been cherished by audiences since its premiere. This Tim Burton creation was not just a commercial hit but also won critical acclaim in the late 80s. With its eccentric and humorous characters, the film transformed into a cult horror-comedy classic. Not only the plot or the dialogue, but Tim Burton’s choice of actors for this cinematic gem was highly appreciated.

One of the most hilariously terrifying films from its era, Beetlejuice’s characters continue to be iconic. The film’s unique visual style, characterized by gothic aesthetics, heavy makeup, and eerie props for both deceased and living characters, has left a lasting impact, setting it apart. As fans anxiously anticipate the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel, it’s worth taking a trip down memory lane to appreciate the original cast and unforgettable characters of Beetlejuice.

Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse

In the leading role of the movie, Betelgeuse is a chaotic character brilliantly portrayed by Michael Keaton. This character, with his striped suit, wild green hair, and infectious energy, stands out as the most unforgettable in the film. As a part-time ghost specializing in bio-exorcisms, Betelgeuse is genuinely chilling to the core and embodies the ultimate evil within the storyline. Thanks to Keaton’s legendary portrayal, the character of Betelgeuse effectively balances humor with menace.

Alec Baldwin as Adam Maitland

Clad in a plaid shirt, khakis, and glasses, Alec Baldwin’s portrayal of Adam Maitland, a ghost, is undeniably one of the most innocuous-looking spirits ever. While he may appear harmless as the other half of the ghostly duo, his character attempts to acclimate to the afterlife and frighten off his new neighbors. Following the movie’s success, Baldwin ventured into numerous leading roles and went on to star in films such as The Cooler, It’s Complicated, and Mission: Impossible, among others.

Geena Davis as Barbara Maitland

In the movie, Davis takes on the character of Barbara Maitland, who is the wife of Adam Maitland. As a ghost that has recently passed away, Barbara assists her husband with his task of frightening their neighbors. Prior to this main role as Barbara, Davis had previously appeared in the 1982 comedy Tootsie and went on to star in several critically-acclaimed films such as Transylvania, Thelma & Louise, and The Accidental Tourist.

Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz

Winona excels at portraying Lydia Deetz, a character known for her dark and mysterious teenage persona. A notable figure from the ’90s, Winona’s career took off following her role as Lydia in Beetlejuice, leading to a series of critically acclaimed films and TV shows. This Goth-inspired actress gained fame with roles such as Veronica Sawyer in Heathers (1988), the cult classic The Age of Innocence, Louisa March in Little Women, and Joyce Byers in Stranger Things on Netflix.

Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz

Delia Deetz, portrayed by Catherine O’Hara, was one of the homeowners in the movie. Known for her contemporary style and maternal tendencies, she embodied a character that was both nurturing and somewhat absent-minded. Following her acclaimed performance in this motherly role, Catherine has since appeared in numerous series and films, including the popular Homecoming franchise and shows like Schitt’s Creek and A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Jeffrey Duncan Jones as Charles Deetz

Jeffrey Duncan bears little resemblance to the character of Charles Deet from Beetlejuice, portrayed by him. In this movie, he played Catherine O’Hara’s onscreen spouse, a real estate magnate named Charles Deetz who appears indifferent towards everything. Following his role in Beetlejuice, Jones firmly established himself as an actor with leading parts in several well-known films like The Hunt for Red October, The Crucible, and Amadeus.

The movie features additional actors and secondary characters such as Glenn Shadix portraying Otho, an interior decorator who is friends with the Deetz family; Sylvia Sidney playing Juno, a caseworker for the Maitlands in the spiritual department; Robert Goulet acting as Maxie Dean, Charles Deetz’s superior at work; and Dick Cavett appearing as Bernard, Delila Deetz’s friend and talent agent.

Read More

2024-09-02 10:37