‘I Remembered The Spirit Of It’: Tim Burton Didn’t Watch Original Beetlejuice Film Before Preparing For Sequel

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As a long-time admirer of Tim Burton’s whimsical and darkly charming universe, it is nothing short of exhilarating to witness his return to the enigmatic world of Beetlejuice. The director’s personal connection to this project, born out of his own introspective journey, infuses the sequel with an authenticity that resonates deeply.

Even though plans for a sequel to the ’80s cult horror-comedy Beetlejuice had been around for quite some time, it wasn’t until more than three decades later that the project actually got off the ground. Interestingly, director Tim Burton opted not to revisit the original film as a refresher before diving into the sequel.

The director didn’t feel the need to delve extensively into the original material when brainstorming ideas for the sequel, which was set 35 years after the Beetlejuice storyline. Instead, he shared with Variety that his motivation for making this film wasn’t financial gain but rather deeply personal reasons. He also stated that he didn’t rewatch the first movie to prepare. Instead, he recalled the essence of the original and the people involved in it.

The award-winning filmmaker clarified that he never aimed to create another installment merely for the sake of having one, but rather sought an organic connection to continue the story. Burton confessed that during his life, he had felt lost, but working on Beetlejuice helped him rediscover his passion, approach work in his preferred manner, and collaborate with those he cherishes.

In contrast to creating a modernized version of the eerie Beetlejuice universe with cutting-edge technology, Burton chose instead to employ traditional methods and opted for practical effects rather than CGI. He explained this choice to Collider, stating, “That’s what gave the film its life force.”

Every day, the production required fresh elements, posing a challenge given the live effects, but it wasn’t unattainable. The director had an “effects squad” at his disposal, capable of swiftly creating these items. He emphasized that the methodology was pivotal in capturing the filmmaking process’s enthusiasm, spontaneity, and fun.

“Tim Burton mentioned that for the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel, they chose not to focus on a ‘sequel’ or a ‘franchise’, but instead just create the movie.” The eagerly awaited sequel features original characters such as Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice, Catherine O’Hara as Delia, and Winona Ryder as Lydia, alongside new faces like Jenna Ortega playing Astrid Deetz.

In a bold move disregarding her mother’s advice, Astrid, Lydia’s unruly daughter, calls forth Beetlejuice by repeatedly invoking his name. This eccentric spirit known as The Ghost with the Most reappears in the Deetz household, causing chaos and mayhem! The story continues to unfold when the movie hits theaters on September 6th.

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2024-08-29 02:22