‘That Ship Has Sailed’: Winona Ryder Tells Us The Sequel She Tried For Years To Get Made, And I’m So Sad It Never Happened

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As a gamer who has grown up with a deep affection for ’80s and ’90s pop culture, the news about the return of Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is like striking gold in an old-school RPG. However, hearing her longing for a Heathers reunion tugs at my heartstrings, reminding me that even in virtual worlds, time marches on and sometimes our favorite characters can’t escape the ravages of it.

Anticipation for the 2024 movie lineup could be building quickly, as Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a much-awaited sequel to the 1988 original, is set to bring back its chilling humor. In this new horror film, Winona Ryder reprises her role as Lydia Deetz, a character that fans have long admired. During an interview about this exciting revival, Ryder not only shared her enthusiasm for the project, but mentioned another sequel she had been trying to develop for years. Unfortunately, as she put it herself, “that ship has sailed,” and it’s disappointing.

During a chat with the seasoned actress known for movies such as “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” and “Edward Scissorhands”, I inquired if there were any roles from her impressive body of work that she would want to revisit. In response, Winona Ryder revealed her thoughts on this topic to TopMob.

For quite some time, I’ve been attempting to rally support for a project related to Heathers, but it seems that opportunity has passed. Another idea of mine, which I thought could be enjoyable to revisit, also falls into this category. This is an unprecedented endeavor for me – revisiting something old. There’s an extraordinary charm about it… and now, I understand why people are so protective, only wanting to revisit something if it’s absolutely flawless.

A later sequel, showcasing a reunion of the Heathers cast from years past, could have been quite sensational. Imagine seeing Winona Ryder’s character Veronica Sawyer again, having navigated her teenage troubles and the subsequent chaos, possibly raising a new generation Heather. This concept might resonate with audiences, especially if it involved her child displaying similar traits to the original Heathers, mirroring Lydia Deetz’s situation in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, where she is raising her grounded and normal daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega).

The enthusiasm of the actor from Stranger Things for that idea alone is one reason I feel sad it never came to fruition. Added to this regret, there’s also the sorrow over the fact that two of the three actors who brought Heathers to life are no longer alive. With Kim Walker passing away in 2001 and Shannon Doherty’s tragic death in 2024, both Heather Duke and Heather Chandler would have been unable to participate.

In this particular situation, Winona Ryder’s earlier statement carries a more profound impact. It might lead someone to consider creating a sequel or reboot of “Heathers,” with a possible legacy role for Winona Ryder. This is similar to the strategy used for the controversial and eventually canceled “Heathers” TV show in 2018, where Shannon Doherty played the role of JD’s mother.

Over the years, and with the musical adaptation becoming a beloved phenomenon, I must admit, Winona Ryder’s sentiments resonate with me. Alas, it seems that Heathers 2: The Wrath of Prom has truly set sail on the high seas of time. Yet, in my heart, I can’t help but ponder what could have been, tinged as it is with a touch of melancholy nostalgia. However, who would have thought that a sequel to Beetlejuice would ever materialize? And yet, if an inspired concept arises, who knows? That dream might just become reality in a fresh and captivating form – as long as the essence and charm of the original are preserved from the right creative source.

On the positive note, enthusiasts can relive the authentic “Heathers” experience since it’s now available for free streaming with ads on Tubi. Moreover, if you’re gearing up for the upcoming “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” there’s no need to chant the spell thrice! Instead, leverage your Max subscription to stream the original movie before the much-anticipated sequel hits theaters on September 6th.

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2024-08-22 02:37