The thrill is real! After what seems like an eternity, ‘Beetlejuice 2’ is officially in the works, and fans everywhere are buzzing with excitement. As Winona Ryder herself mentioned, “Their expectations are probably extremely high, but I feel very confident that it will match and exceed expectations.” The original ‘Beetlejuice’ captured the hearts of audiences and became a cultural phenomenon, leaving fans longing for a sequel.
When asked about how the project came together after all these years, Winona Ryder shared that it was all about having the right team in place. She explained…
I think we all knew the only way that it could work was if Tim was directing, and Michael and Catherine were available to do it.
Over the years, Ryder and Burton would discuss the possibility of a sequel, but it wasn’t until everything aligned that it became a reality. Ryder admitted to feeling a mix of excitement and fear when it finally happened, saying…
I remember being struck with terror. I had to ask myself: who is Lydia now? She’s had a child, it completely changed her life, but she still is Lydia. I think her daughter, Astrid [played by Jenna Ortega], has everything to do with who Lydia is now. We meet Lydia at this strange time in her life, where she’s a little bit on autopilot, a little bit lost… But then, everyone reunites and chaos ensues.
Returning to the character of Lydia after so many years was a new experience for Ryder, who had never revisited a role before. She reflected on this challenge, saying…
I’ve never returned to a role. I’ve done a series, but that’s very different. I mean, this is returning to something—I don’t even know how many years, I was 15 when I made it, so it’s a lifetime.
Despite the initial nerves, once filming began, Ryder found her rhythm, especially with Tim Burton’s unique mix of detailed direction and openness to collaboration.
Seeing Michael Keaton step back into the role of Beetlejuice was a surreal experience for Ryder. She vividly remembers their first scene together in the attic, stating…
Seeing him for the first time in makeup again—I’ll never forget that moment.” Ryder also spoke highly of Keaton, emphasizing the comfort she felt working with him: “It’s going to sound strange, because he’s Beetlejuice and I’m Lydia, but I’ve never felt so safe with an actor before. He is everything you hope he would be.
Discussing her on-screen daughter, Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega, Ryder was full of admiration. She described Ortega as a magnificent presence and person, and she’s endlessly fascinating with a huge heart.” Ryder felt a strong maternal connection with Ortega from the start and praised her for bringing a unique twist to her character while still embodying elements of Lydia.
For those of us who have been eagerly awaiting ‘Beetlejuice 2’, Winona Ryder’s confidence that the sequel will meet and even surpass our expectations is incredibly reassuring. As she put it, “It’s a great time and it absolutely deserves to be seen on the big screen.” With the perfect blend of chaos, charm, and Tim Burton’s signature creativity, ‘Beetlejuice 2’ is poised to be a must-see event. So, prepare to be dazzled, because this is one film that promises to be every bit as iconic as its predecessor.