Beetlejuice 2 Breaks Record as Tim Burton’s Highest Opening Day Ever

Beetlejuice 2 Breaks Record as Tim Burton's Highest Opening Day Ever

As a devotee of cinema who vividly remembers the original Beetlejuice from 1986, I must say that the wait for this sequel has been nothing short of exhilarating. To see Tim Burton’s creative genius unfold on the big screen once again, and breaking his career-best record in the process, is a testament to the power of patience and perseverance. The film’s critical acclaim, impressive box office performance, and avoidance of disappointing long-term fans make it one for the history books.


The anticipation for a sequel to the 1986 movie “Beetlejuice,” which ended a 36-year wait, has been rewarding for many fans. Not only did it surpass expectations, but it also set a new record for the director, making it his best career performance yet. Critics praised it and long-term fans were satisfied, with the film even outperforming Burton’s eventual box office hit, “Alice in Wonderland,” on its opening day, earning him the highest gross on that particular day of his career.

As reported by Variety, the sequel raked in an impressive $41.5 million on its first day at the box office, following its initial $13 million previews. This figure places it as Tim Burton’s highest opening day gross ever, and only slightly behind the $50.4 million earned by 2017’s It. As a result, it now holds the title of the second-highest September opening in history. Remarkably, this film was once stuck in development limbo for years and appeared to be on track to become one of Hollywood’s legendary “what if” movies.

The upcoming “Beetlejuice” sequel is poised to become one of the most prosperous legacy follow-ups in recent years, outshining films like “Indiana Jones and the Crystal of Fate,” two “Ghostbusters” sequels, and this year’s “Frozen III.” The film’s success underscores a movie that was timed perfectly, ready to be made only when all the necessary pieces were in place. For years, talks about a sequel have been underway, with Winona Ryder initially attached to the potential sequel nearly a decade ago. However, according to director Tim Burton, he couldn’t have made the movie until now. In an interview with SlashFilm, Burton stated that Lydia, Ryder’s character, was instrumental in bringing Beetlejuice back to our screens once more.

35 years later, we might wonder about the transformation this person underwent. It’s almost as if they took a 35-year leap, transitioning from a carefree teenager to an individual navigating adulthood in its complexities. What kind of relationships did they build during this journey? Do they have children and how does their relationship with them unfold? These are questions that couldn’t have been answered in the past.

You can truly appreciate the film only after going through those events yourself. For me, it turned into a deeply personal production, almost like an unusual portrayal of an unusual family, or put another way, an odd family movie, or simply stated, it’s hard to define its categorization precisely.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s Success Will Not Likely Lead to a Third Movie

Beetlejuice 2 Breaks Record as Tim Burton's Highest Opening Day EverBeetlejuice 2 Breaks Record as Tim Burton's Highest Opening Day EverBeetlejuice 2 Breaks Record as Tim Burton's Highest Opening Day EverBeetlejuice 2 Breaks Record as Tim Burton's Highest Opening Day EverBeetlejuice 2 Breaks Record as Tim Burton's Highest Opening Day Ever

Usually, a hit film prompts studio executives to swiftly consider a sequel. However, the notion of a “Beetlejuice 3” titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” isn’t something Tim Burton anticipates given how long it took to produce the second movie. At the London premiere of the film, Burton humorously remarked:

Well, if [the same] time frame goes on, I’ll be about 100. So maybe. I doubt it.

While fans might initially crave more Beetlejuice, history shows us that hastily producing sequels can lead franchises from great heights to disappointing lows. Tim Burton experienced this firsthand during his work on Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass, which didn’t perform as well as its predecessor. By steering clear of the challenges associated with rebooting a franchise that hasn’t seen new life in a while, it would be unwise to squander that progress with a hastily made third installment.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
is out now in cinemas.

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2024-09-08 21:32