Ahoy there, me hearties! As a devoted admirer of Tim Burton’s whimsical and macabre creations, I must confess that the words of our beloved director have sent both shivers of excitement and chills of disappointment down my spine. The prospect of another Beetlejuice installment has certainly captured the imagination of fans worldwide, but as a humble observer, I can’t help but acknowledge the profound impact Mr. Burton’s personal experiences have on his work.
It’s still a bit unreal to glance at the 2024 film lineup and spot “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” as an impending release. As a kid, I always thought discussions about a sequel would start and stop, but never result in anything tangible. Even now, I can’t help but ponder if “Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian” might not be one of the most regrettable missed chances from the depths of development limbo.
Here we go, with initial responses to “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” collected and early screenings underway. It’s been nearly 40 years since “Beetlejuice” surprised audiences as a hit for Warner Bros., but the character is back in action once more. The journey to this moment wasn’t simple, though. Despite Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder eagerly anticipating their return to set, several events had to unfold before Tim Burton felt ready to step behind the director’s lens again.
The making of “Beetlejuice 2” was fueled by personal life experiences, a near-exit by Burton from Hollywood, and finding the ideal cast to take flight. At a recent press event where Tim Burton spoke with his characteristic flair, the story behind this seemingly miraculous legacy sequel has been unveiled at last.
Why Tim Burton Almost Quit Hollywood
At the New York City leg of Beetlejuice’s press tour, I was given the opportunity to join a group interview with several other journalists, with our first gathering being hosted by TopMob. Throughout the day, there were multiple such interviews planned. Our goal was to coax Mr. Burton into revealing as much as he was willing about his eagerly anticipated return to the world of the Afterlife.
It’s safe to conclude that our project turned out well, considering there were numerous intricate aspects left out from this summary. Among these overlooked elements are some daring concept sketches by Tim Burton, which we can’t reveal publicly for future use. However, the most significant piece of information we gleaned is that the career of this artist known for the peculiar and extraordinary almost came to an end at the very studio where he first found success.
Due to Burton’s accounts of the difficult making of Dumbo, an ordeal that essentially verified as the breaking point for the Batman director, a deeper look at his career as a filmmaker emerged. This introspection was sparked by questions about any other renowned productions that Tim Burton might revisit, along with his methods when it comes to CGI versus hands-on effects.
Having TopMob present to receive the information directly from him, Tim Burton addressed those concerns by making the following collective statements:
It seems like you’ve had a break from the movie industry after your last project due to feeling uneasy with studio work. To recharge and find inspiration again, you shifted gears and worked on a TV project in Romania. You didn’t have any urge to create a sequel or anything similar; instead, you were passionate about making this specific movie. When working on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, it was crucial for you not to focus on the idea of a sequel as those terms like “franchise,” “reboots,” etc., didn’t exist in your mind when you first started out.
Serving as an executive producer and director for half of the episodes in Season 1 of “Wednesday,” it appears this role served as a balm, alleviating some of the troubles Tim Burton faced during his directing tenure. However, this isn’t the pivotal moment that revived “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
To be honest, just like Michael Keaton’s eccentric character in Beetlejuice, the concept evolved quite significantly on the border between the realms of the living and the deceased. I won’t delve too deeply into the entire backstory of Beetlejuice 2’s creation as it involves numerous contributors and multiple scripts that led to its eventual production.
The key aspect is that Tim Burton ultimately came up with the concept for this sequel, which has now become a significant addition to its legacy. Sometimes life interferes with our plans, but in the case of Beetlejuice‘s comeback, it actually spurred things forward.
Throughout our chat, these remarks serve to illustrate the emotional appeal that fueled Burton’s enthusiasm for the project:
It was only recently that I decided to explore Lydia’s character further, as it was the one I connected with from the beginning. I asked myself questions like “What happened to this person three or five years down the line?” and wondered about her relationships, her children, and how these experiences would shape her life. This is something that I couldn’t have done earlier, as I hadn’t experienced those events myself yet. The emotional connection between three generations of mothers and daughters, life and death, and the ordinary aspects of our existence became the central focus of my work. It was akin to the 35 Up series, where we see a person transition from a cool teenager into a complicated adult.
If someone is qualified to speak about the challenges involved in reopening those doors to the Afterlife, it’s one of the writers who contributed to this film’s script – Seth Graeme-Smith. The reported struggles during the production of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice clearly emphasized the importance of storytelling in ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Ultimately, his significant impact is recognized alongside two other significant forces: screenwriters Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, who created Wednesday, and a collaborative approach to improvisation during the production of Beetlejuice 2. However, without that initial idea, none of the subsequent elements would have made a difference. This brings us to the next segment of our tale, where Tim Burton discusses some pivotal choices that shaped this entire project from the ground up.
The Decisions That Shaped Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Concepts aren’t just born from thematic influences, but also from factors determining their execution. These dual aspects gain significant weight after decades of anticipation for the arrival of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, and Tim Burton paid special attention to them. Similarly, as Winona Ryder perceives Jenna Ortega’s significance in this sequel, Tim Burton viewed her character Astrid as a key to the events unfolding before us.
In the room filled with fellow journalists, there was speculation about whether Beetlejuice was being specifically revamped for Generation Z. However, Burton quickly dismissed this idea. Instead of focusing on modernizing a character that both Burton and Michael Keaton have always viewed as politically incorrect, Burton revealed that the movie is directly targeting today’s young audience with these details:
I found it intriguing to discover how someone who hasn’t watched the original Beetlejuice movie would comprehend or appreciate it, given that my 16-year-old daughter has never seen it either. It was fascinating to see if they could grasp its essence, and surprisingly, they seemed to understand it quite well. Interestingly, my daughter often questions unusual things just like kids do, which is a testament to their ability to comprehend the unexpected.
Essentially, it was crucial to include a character like Astrid Deetz who could challenge what they perceived as falsehoods in order for younger viewers to relate to the show Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. This is necessary because Jenna Ortega’s character, being new to the supernatural world, frequently questions whether Lydia (Winona Ryder) truly can see ghosts.
In essence, while it was crucial for Beetlejuice 2 to have a compelling narrative, it shares the same basic foundation as its original counterpart. This implies that an engaging plot is only the starting point; eventually, unconventional creativity takes over and leads to numerous amusing elements generated through improvisation.
The traditional approach prevailed once more, and Tim Burton attributes its continued effectiveness to the extensive use of practical effects during the film’s production. Here’s an excerpt from our roundtable discussion where he discusses how these classic methods provided greater artistic freedom:
Having a fully-equipped set with actors, props, and costumes really boosted the vibe and the quality of our filmmaking process. Eliminating distractions such as business talks and studio noise allowed us to focus solely on our craft. This approach was essential for us from the start, as we wanted to avoid thinking about sequels or franchises and instead just produce a standalone movie. The energy you brought back to the project was incredible and played a significant role in its success.
During the production of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, Tim Burton admitted that incorporating living, breathing effects posed a challenge. Yet, he also praised the team responsible for pulling off these intricate effects, acknowledging their crucial role in the film’s success. Hearing him speak about his renewed energy during the creation of this movie was inspiring, and it appears to have been reflected in the final product.
Watching this sequel of Beetlejuice was like revisiting the whimsical excitement of the initial film. By combining traditional techniques such as stop-motion animation and puppets, along with contemporary methods when appropriate, it seemed as if Tim Burton took a trip back in time to recapture his creative essence, while still preserving the wisdom from the past when essential.
The unusual finale of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” leaves fans pondering what might come next, as they may be eagerly anticipating additional installments featuring the renowned bio-exorcist of the underworld. This applies to both queries and actions related to him.
Tim Burton’s Future, Post-Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
It’s not hard to imagine that even those who haven’t watched the latest Beetlejuice film might be curious if director Tim Burton could possibly create another one. The title of this new installment seems to suggest it, as it hints at a pattern of three, which is crucial for summoning the most famous ghost.
After seeing the movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the journalists in the room were curious if Mr. Burton planned to remake it. I won’t reveal the ending, as I don’t want to repeat Michael Keaton’s mistake from his 1989 appearance on David Letterman’s show where he unintentionally revealed the ending of Batman.
That being said, I can share what Tim Burton said about a potential Beetlejuice 3:
I mean, they [can] talk whatever, but if it follows the model now, I’d be making that one [when] I’d be over a hundred. And it might be possible. But I don’t know, with medical science these days. But like I said, for me, I wasn’t really personally interested [in a sequel]. If you said it to me, I would run the other direction. This is one where I just said it was something that caught my [eye]. Would something else get [me], I don’t know. Not right now, because it’s [about] finishing this one.
I’m sorry if my previous statements stirred up a mix of excitement and disappointment among Beetlejuice fans globally. As we wrapped things up, Tim Burton playfully suggested the title, “Beetlejuice: The Sands of Time”. In the potential storyline for Beetlejuice 3, one possible thread could revolve around Lydia’s biological mother, but I must emphasize that this is speculation only.
In the movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” she’s casually introduced, and when inquired if we might learn more about her later, Tim Burton hinted cryptically, “we’ll see.” However, it’s important not to press for another “Beetlejuice” too forcefully because the life experiences that inspired him to create it in the first place are deeply intertwined with Tim Burton’s personal journey.
Additionally, finding a talent like Jenna Ortega isn’t commonplace; it seems as though she was destined for success. As Astrid Deetz’s character plays a crucial role in advancing the plot appropriately, that’s not an achievement that can be easily recreated – at least, not when done properly.
Just as Winona Ryder expresses thoughts about a possible “Heathers” sequel or reboot, it’s essential to recognize when such a venture might be past its prime. Also crucial are the concepts and inspirations that fuel and invigorate such a project. To wrap up, I’d like to share a quote from the Burton roundtable that encapsulates why “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” needed to emerge in today’s time:
In 1989, I wouldn’t have been able to create what I am today, given my lack of knowledge back then. After experiencing three decades filled with a mix of good and challenging times, I’ve gained insights that can only come from such experiences. It’s as if when I created Big Fish, I couldn’t have done so before my father passed away. This reflection has led me to adjust how I approach things in the future.
Moving forward, let’s eagerly anticipate Tim Burton’s continued journey into the future, armed with inspiration and vigor as he pursues a project he finds valuable. Time to gear up once more since Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is soon gracing our cinemas, including the 4DX experience!
Even if it’s not essential to delve into the history of the movie before diving into this zombie adventure, you can certainly enjoy the original “Beetlejuice” by streaming it with a Max subscription. For those who are up for an additional challenge, don’t forget to check out “Beetlejuice: The Animated Series” on Tubi. If you grew up thinking it was peculiar that Beetlejuice and Lydia became friends, I strongly recommend you experience this unique bond too.
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2024-09-06 03:08