As a long-time admirer of Tim Burton’s whimsical and macabre storytelling, I found myself utterly captivated by the clever nods and subtle jabs hidden within the delightful chaos that is “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” Being a horror enthusiast myself, I couldn’t help but appreciate the way Jenna Ortega’s character, Astrid, showcased her horror roots and paid homage to the genre.
Fans of the ’80s horror comedy classic “Beetlejuice” have waited for decades to see a sequel, and their dreams came true when Tim Burton brought back the famous characters in the much-anticipated 2024 follow-up titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice“. This highly anticipated movie boasts an impressive cast of veterans like Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara, along with new faces such as Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, and Willem Dafoe. Since its thrilling release, the sequel has left audiences spellbound around the globe.
As a big fan myself, I was eagerly anticipating how Tim Burton would breathe new life into this classic film after such a long wait of 36 years since its initial release. And let me tell you, the mastermind did not disappoint! He skillfully blended nostalgia, chills, and humor in a way that felt fresh yet true to the original 1988 version. If you’re a fan like me, I’m sure you’ll appreciate the numerous Easter eggs hidden throughout Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Here are 15 you might have missed!
15 Miss Shannon’s School For Girls
1988’s beloved classic finds Lydia, upon moving to Winter River, Connecticut, enrolling in Miss Shannon’s School for Girls. It isn’t long before the teenage goth with a fascination for the macabre starts feeling ostracized due to her distinct hobbies and the fact she moved into the town’s infamous haunted house. In the initial movie, her classmates can be seen wearing a plaid uniform as Lydia pedals off on her bike to return home.
A Sweet Nod to Lydia’s Adolescence
36 years after Lydia settled down with Rory, a television producer whom she found cringeworthy, her rebellious teenage daughter Astrid has emerged. Astrid openly disapproves of many decisions made by her mother, including her acceptance of Rory’s proposal. In a huff, Astrid jumps on a bike and escapes the tense situation, pedaling through the charming town and past landmarks like Miss Shannon’s and other popular spots. Despite the passage of time since the Deetz family moved to Winter River, it seems that the town’s essence has remained unchanged.
14 An Aerial Shot of Winter River
The first scene of Beetlejuice starts with a captivating bird’s-eye perspective of Winter River, providing viewers a glimpse into its charming Connecticut charm. Scenes alternate between actual views and Adam Maitland’s detailed miniature model of the town, which he meticulously crafted in the attic. The iconic red-covered bridge, where the Maitlands fatally crashed after losing control of their car, is prominently featured in this opening, setting the tragic event that sparks the outrageous sequence of events in the movie.
Burton Honors The Original Classic
In my perspective as a movie reviewer, “Beetlejuice: Sequel” masterfully recaptures the essence of its predecessor from the get-go, echoing the unique charm of the original town in its opening scenes. The sequel even showcases an impressive model of Adam’s house, culminating in a breathtaking aerial shot that lands squarely on the iconic Deetz residence perched atop the hill.
13 Call Betelgeuse! Flier
Just like before, Betelgeuse found a way to communicate with the Maitlands and Lydia even after his death. He used an unusual and somewhat obvious flyer that prompted the deceased couple and troubled teenager to repeat his name three times. It was clear that this mysterious and seedy bio-exorcist had personal motives for aiding Adam, Barbara, and Lydia, which would lead to some amusing scenes in the movie.
Betelgeuse’s Direct Help Hotline
In the film “Beetlejuice Beetlejeebeetlejuice,” the iconic advertisement resurfaces, this time with a modern twist and more detailed cartoons. During her exploration of the attic, Astrid discovers the flyer along with Adam’s model. When Lydia’s mother recognizes that Betelgeuse is attempting to lure her daughter, she snatches the advertisement and urges Astrid to never utter his name. Predictably, Lydia’s warnings only pique Astrid’s desire to conjure the elusive spirit.
12 Charles Died From His Beloved Hobby
One conspicuous absence from the sequel of the ’80s blockbuster is Charles Deetz, the family patriarch, who was originally played by Jeffrey Jones and shared a passion for bird-watching on screen. Although Jeffrey Jones did not return to his role in the new movie titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice“, Charles remains a significant character as the story unfolds following his funeral, which initiates the film’s events with his family members returning to Winter River for the occasion.
Charles’ Wholesome Hobby Leads to His Demise
In this version, Charles’ deep-seated affection for avian matters is clearly evident, as he devotes much of his time scanning his binoculars to spot birds and fills his office with bird paintings and taxidermied specimens. His fascination with birds played a pivotal role in his unfortunate fate in the sequel, leading him on a bird-watching expedition that ended tragically when his plane crashed and he was brutally attacked and lost his life to a shark. His wife Delia vehemently accused Charles’ avian obsession as being responsible for his demise, rather than attributing it to the shark that dismembered him.
11 The Return of “The Banana Boat Song”
In a similar vein, not many tunes have gained such iconic status and strong associations with a Hollywood movie as Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).” This unique Jamaican folk melody left an indelible mark on Beetlejuice , creating a memorable and mesmerizing scene. The film’s fans adored the Deetzes and their mysterious guests breaking into song during their dinner party, as the Maitlands sought to scare off their uninvited houseguests, resulting in an iconic musical performance.
An Iconic Tune Returns
In the movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, the popular tune “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” makes a dramatic comeback during Charles’ funeral, as a children’s choir performs a poignant and melancholic rendition of it. Given its significance to devoted fans and its ability to evoke nostalgia, it was only fitting that the beloved Belafonte song be included in the sequel.
10 Deetz Art Center Statue
Delia Deetz is recognized for her unique style in art and unconventional methods when it comes to sculpting and design creation. She draws from her strange sense of aesthetics when she showcases her eccentric sculptures and peculiar decorating style at her Winter River home. In the movie “Beetlejuice,” one of Delia’s unusual sculptures almost causes her harm during renovations on their recently bought house, comically trapping her in the process.
Delia’s Offbeat Art Creations
In the follow-up, Delia’s offbeat artwork and peculiar sculptures grab attention once more, with one piece being displayed at Astrid’s private school. This bizarre creation is positioned in the courtyard, showcasing unusual hands adorned with spikes. It seems plausible that Delia gifted this whimsical masterpiece to the institution, considering she owns a gallery in Soho that displays her most avant-garde pieces, while others reside at her hillside residence.
9 Lydia & Betelgeuse’s Wedding: Part 2
Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder displayed remarkable on-screen compatibility in the 1988 blockbuster “Beetlejuice,” as their lively repartee and Beetelgeuse’s cunning maneuvers drove him to attempt marrying the teenage Lydia, a move intended to free himself from the limitations of the afterlife. Fortunately for Lydia, the Maitlands – who were both kind-hearted and supportive – thwarted these matrimonial plans. Fast forward 36 years, Beetelgeuse made another attempt to marry the goth character and walk her down the aisle.
Here Comes the Bride?
In 2024’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Betelgeuse and Lydia reappear in their iconic outfits – a flamboyant, dated purple tuxedo for Betelgeuse and an unforgettable red wedding dress for Lydia. The story unfolds as Lydia is compelled to marry the mischievous spirit once more, following his role in saving Astrid from the afterlife and shielding her from Jeremy’s harmful intentions. Betelgeuse intends to wed the renowned actress at the town chapel, and they both reprise their distinctive attire for the occasion. However, their nuptials are disrupted by his ex-wife, who seeks to reclaim his soul, as well as a persistent ghost detective determined to thwart their union.
8 Show-Stopping Lip Sync Number
In the memorable dinner scene from Beetlejuice, the Deetzes and their company enthusiastically performed a vibrant cover of Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)”. Delia, Charles, and Otho took turns singing and miming to the catchy melody.
Using the “Guide for the Recently Departed,” Otho tries to call upon Adam and Barbara during dinner and conducts a seance, but instead of complying, they aim to scare the Deetzes and force them to vacate the house forever.
A Wonderfully Weird Grand Finale
Of course, Tim Burton recognized that the stage adaptation of Beetlejuice needed an unforgettable musical number. Instead of relying on a repeat performance of “Day-O”, the accomplished director opted for the characters to lip-sync to the classic hit “MacArthur Park” by Richard Harris.
Suitably, the ’60s song expresses a tragic love story, which Harris likens to a cake falling apart in the rain. It was hilarious watching Lydia, Delia, Astrid, and Rory perform this unusual tune, just as entertaining was Betelgeuse’s soulful interpretation of the hit single.
7 A Nod to Ghost House
In the eagerly awaited follow-up, Lydia establishes and conducts a popular talk show named “Ghost House“, using her extraordinary spiritual talents to converse with spirits and investigate chilling hauntings. She interviews families in distress who seek assistance. It was intriguing to observe Lydia utilizing her abilities on the show, largely due to Rory’s selfish and manipulative motives. The series also satirized paranormal shows like “Ghost Hunters“.
A Callback to the Studio’s Original Name Choice
Rory yearns to exploit Lydia’s psychic talents, whether he genuinely trusts her abilities or not. However, she finds herself inundated with visions about Betelgeuse, suggesting that it might be attempting a resurgence from beyond the grave, which leaves her feeling swamped by this possibility.
The movie titled “Ghost House” is a playful nod to an alternative name Warner Bros. initially considered for the project. They thought “House Ghosts” was suitable for the theme. Tim Burton humorously proposed the title “Scared Sheetless,” and surprisingly, the studio seriously contemplated using it. However, “Beetlejuice” eventually became the chosen title.
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6 Danny DeVito’s Homage to Batman
In the movie Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Danny DeVito – a well-known collaborator of Tim Burton and favorite in Hollywood – makes a brief yet impactful appearance. He plays a janitor in the afterlife who meets a violent end at the hands of Delores. The unfortunate character can be seen roaming the hallways of the Neitherworld, wearing headphones and making a stop in the janitor’s closet, taking a sip from a bottle of floor varnish. The liquid drips from his mouth, suggesting that he may have taken his own life.
DeVito Tips His Hat to the Penguin
As a movie enthusiast, it seems that the ooze dripping from his mouth in this scene echoes the tragic end of my ‘Batman Returns’ counterpart, the Penguin. Just like him, the villain in the iconic ’90s blockbuster had a dark liquid flowing from his mouth during his death scene. Interestingly, Danny DeVito reprised his role with Tim Burton and Michael Keaton again in ‘Beetlejuice’, having previously starred together in that timeless superhero film and Burton’s more recent Disney project, ‘Dumbo’ (2019).
5 Little Jane Makes an Appearance
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but recall the heartbreaking demise of Adam and Barbara Maitland in the classic movie “Beetlejuice.” After their untimely passing, their beloved Winter River house was put up for sale by Jane Butterfield, a relentless local real estate agent who happened to be related to Barbara. Despite her encouragement, Barbara had initially wished to keep the quirky abode. However, following the unfortunate events, Jane seized the opportunity and successfully sold the property to the unconventional Deetzes family. Throughout the preparations for their move-in, Lydia, one of the Deetzes’ members, found herself interacting with both Jane and her fittingly named daughter, Jane Jr.
Real Estate Is a Family Affair
In my perspective, it seems evident that the love for real estate ran deeply within the Butterfield family, as evidenced by Jane Butterfield Jr.’s dedication to her mother’s profession and her choice to continue the legacy in Winter River. As a tribute to her roots, she embarked on a quest to sell the legendary house following Charles Deetz’s demise. She even shared valuable town updates and intriguing details about Jeremy’s spine-chilling past with Lydia. It appears that the real estate business will continue as a family tradition, given that Little Jane named her own child Jane, hinting at the possibility of another generation immersed in this field.
4 Betelgeuse Loves The Office?
In the eagerly anticipated sequel, cunning and enigmatic Betelgeuse is back, this time taking on the role of “Afterlife Call Center Manager” in the Netherworld. Here, he supervises a team of employees with miniaturized heads, among them cherished character Bob. Despite his arrogant belief in his own charm and superiority, evident by the coffee mug next to his picture of a teenage Lydia on his desk, which he continues to harbor feelings for.
Betelgeuse’s Binge-Watching Is Revealed
The coffee mug reads “World’s Best Boss” and is the same cup that Michael Scott sported in The Office, and it certainly appears that Betelgeuse did a little binge-watching of the comedy series in the 36 years since he last interacted with Lydia. The mug is highlighted once again later in the movie when poor Bob (wearing Betelgeuse’s signature striped suit) is forced to hide under Betelgeuse’s desk when his vengeful ex-wife comes looking for the evasive titular character.
3 Christian Slater’s Surprising “Cameo”
In just a flash during the movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice“, sharp-eyed viewers spotted something intriguing. While teenager Astrid was sifting through her father’s old possessions in the attic, she stumbled upon an antique photo album. As she leafed through pictures of her parents when they were young, it was delightful for Astrid to see Lydia and Richard looking content together, a sight that brought warmth to her heart after their divorce and her father’s subsequent tragic death.
Christian Slater’s Surprise Appearance
Intriguingly enough, what initially appeared to be a captivating image of a blissful couple turned out to be Winona Ryder posing with her Heathers co-star Christian Slater. Interestingly, the digital artist superimposed a youthful likeness of Santiago Cabrera over Slater’s head, giving the illusion of Richard from the blockbuster sequel making an unintentional cameo in that iconic ’80s film. I only realized this clever Easter egg after the movie’s release, showcasing how intricately linked Ryder’s roles were during that era.
2 A Callback to Jenna Ortega’s Scream Days
In the movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Winona Ryder’s illustrious acting career wasn’t the only aspect that drew attention. Jenna Ortega’s background in horror was also emphasized as Astrid recounted the unusual Halloween costumes she and her father used to create together for the holiday. For instance, in the film, Astrid dresses up as Marie Curie for a gathering with Jeremy, and shares a memory of when she was young and made a costume based on Edvard Munch’s painting “The Scream.
Ortega Is a Bona Fide Horror Heroine
In the given scene, “The Scream” could also be a nod to Neve Campbell’s role as Tara in the recent Scream films, due to Ghostface’s mask resembling the mask from Edvard Munch’s painting. Her performances in Scream and Wednesday, along with her upcoming role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, have made her one of the most thrilling and talked-about stars in the horror genre. This new appearance adds another impressive accolade to her already illustrious horror career.
1 Burton’s Dig at Disney
During a discussion with Jane Butterfield Jr. about selling the house, Lydia shares with the realtor that Astrid, unlike most townsfolk, never favored conventional clothing and had an unconventional approach to style. Lydia then mentions that while Astrid once wore a costume vaguely resembling Cinderella’s deceased mother for Halloween, it demonstrates that Disney’s family-friendly media is far from appreciated in their house, which has a penchant for the macabre.
Burton’s Not-So-Subtle Disney Jab
The dark humor of the joke carries a dual interpretation, since director Burton, who had a history of working with Disney over several years until their partnership turned sour, seems to have used it as a subtle critique of the studio.
In 2019, while working on the production of Dumbo, I found myself butting heads with the studio. This disagreement during the creative process led me to announce that Dumbo would be my final project with Disney and that I wouldn’t collaborate with them again in the future. This new chapter effectively added an unexpected twist to the humor surrounding their iconic character costumes.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is currently in theaters
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2024-09-23 03:32