Director Tim Burton is back with the highly anticipated sequel to his 1988 horror-comedy classic, “Beetlejuice.” The new film, aptly titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” introduces a fresh cast while reviving the beloved, bizarre world of the original. Burton is thrilled with the blend of old and new faces, highlighting the collaborative atmosphere on set. “It’s like we’re doing this thing that nobody really knows what we’re doing – and within that framework, everybody is trying to make it something,” he shares, expressing his joy in working with a cast that brought their unique energy and creativity to the project.
Meet the New Faces of the Afterlife
Astrid Deetz (Jenna Ortega)
Jenna Ortega steps into the world of the supernatural as Astrid Deetz, Lydia’s (Winona Ryder) 16-year-old daughter. Struggling with the loss of her father and feeling out of place at her boarding school, Astrid is not thrilled about moving to a small town with her famous mom and eccentric grandmother. Ortega, who reunites with Burton after their successful collaboration on “Wednesday,” reflects on her role, saying, “I’ve done this a couple times now, where I’ve joined a franchise that I never pictured myself joining,” says Ortega. “So, definitely, go back, do your homework, study.” Ortega is “really, really grateful” to be a part of the world of “Beetlejuice.” “It was such a privilege, and I don’t know what I did to be in this position or be on this project,” she says. “But it felt like I was thanking my lucky stars for it every day, because it was like a dream come true. And I was working with all of these people that I respected and admired and looked up to for years, and they were all so wonderful. And I got to work with one of my favorite directors again, which is incredible.”
Rory (Justin Theroux)
Justin Theroux brings humor and complexity to his role as Rory, Lydia’s manager and fiancé. Described as a sensitive yet scheming character, Rory is deeply invested in Lydia’s career and his vision of who she should be. Theroux enjoyed the playful nature of the set, sharing, “It was fun… It was mostly goofing around. And like all great films you enjoy doing, there was a lot of laughter between takes. This is such an incredible cast. I came onto the set one day and we were shooting a big scene, and they had this little tent set up for us where they had chairs: Michael Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe… And I just thought, ‘Well, this is a deep bench of great actors.’”
Delores (Monica Bellucci)
Monica Bellucci plays Delores, a mysterious figure from Beetlejuice’s past, who is on a mission to find him in the Afterlife. Bellucci describes her character as one who says a lot without speaking much, likening her performance to that of a mime. She found the experience of working with Burton and the talented cast to be deeply rewarding, noting, “My character says a lot without really speaking that much. I felt really like a mime,” says Bellucci of Delores. “I’m so honored to be part of this amazing cast, and to enter into Tim’s fantastic and magical world… the atmosphere on set is very calm and beautiful. And his energy, it’s really inspiring for everybody.”
Wolf Jackson (Willem Dafoe)
Willem Dafoe takes on the role of Wolf Jackson, a former actor turned head of the Afterlife Crimes Unit. Jackson, who died while playing a tough cop on TV, now continues his character’s no-nonsense persona in the afterlife. Dafoe speaks highly of his experience on set, especially working with the returning cast. “With the returning cast and their relationships, I’m a supporting role and I’m on their turf. But that’s okay. I was happy to come and be a part of their world… To be in the room with them is to be in the room with people who are excited to be back together and playing around. So, it was a real pleasure.”
What to Expect from “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”
In “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” three generations of the Deetz family return to Winter River after an unexpected tragedy. Lydia’s life is once again upended when her rebellious daughter, Astrid, discovers a portal to the Afterlife. With Beetlejuice lurking in the shadows, chaos is sure to ensue when someone inevitably says his name three times. The film, penned by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, with a story by Seth Grahame-Smith, promises a blend of nostalgia and fresh thrills that will delight both old fans and new viewers.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures in the Philippines, will hit cinemas nationwide on September 4. Don’t miss the chance to experience the mayhem and magic of the Afterlife once more. #Beetlejuice #Beetlejuice
Photo & Video Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
