As a film enthusiast who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgic excitement when it comes to legacy sequels. I remember the first time I watched Beetlejuice, it was a wild, wacky ride that left me laughing and wondering if I’d just seen a dream or reality. So when I heard about Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, I was both apprehensive and intrigued.
In 1988, when “Beetlejuice” initially released, it didn’t fit neatly into either the horror or comedy genre that was prevalent at the time. Instead, it had an eerie quality without being downright frightening like the “Nightmare on Elm Street” series. The film’s dark themes were balanced with humor, and at the heart of this unique blend was the character Beetlejuice, brilliantly portrayed by Michael Keaton.
Despite being a politically incorrect character who flirted with married women and visited an afterlife cabaret, this family-friendly movie was adored by both children and adults. The film’s success can be attributed to director Tim Burton’s distinctive style, as it earned over $73 million at the box office (equivalent to approximately $200 million today when adjusted for inflation), making it the 10th highest-grossing movie of that year.
After a wait of 36 years, the release of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” proved that the love for the quirky ghost character hasn’t waned. As our box office expert, Ryan Scott of /Film, points out, one major challenge was to avoid being deemed ‘too little, too late’, a common pitfall for sequels in comedy. However, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” surpassed these expectations, raking in substantial earnings in merely a few days.
What did Beetlejuice Beetlejuice make at the box office?
Since its release on July 26, the films starring Deadpool and Wolverine have consistently topped the box office charts, except for a short period when Alien: Romulus took over during its opening weekend. It’s fitting that Beetlejuice Beetlejuice managed to dethrone these movies, as September is often seen as the start of the “spooky season.” As these films started to lose momentum and there wasn’t much else notable opening on September 6, it was only natural for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice to sweep the box office.
The movie amassed a staggering $110 million domestically during its first weekend, along with an additional $35 million from international screens, resulting in a global gross of $145 million thus far. This horror-comedy sequel had a remarkable debut during Wednesday and Thursday previews, earning $12 million before its official release on Friday. The preview figures are comparable to those of “Dune: Part Two” released earlier this year, which eventually gathered an impressive $82.5 million during its opening weekend.
Currently, the phrase “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” holds the second-highest domestic box office debut for any film released in September, surpassed only by “It” from 2017 which grossed $123 million. The position of second place was previously held by “It: Chapter Two,” earning $91 million during its initial release in September 2019.
Beetlejuice is a nostalgic property
36 years down the line, the initial “Beetlejuice” movie remains captivating during repeat viewings. For those belonging to Generation X, the movie’s darker aspects resonate strongly while still finding humor in its funniest scenes. Millennials might have been too young when they were initially exposed to this quirky portrayal of the afterlife, which could explain why their sense of humor leans towards the macabre. Moreover, depending on your age at first viewing, some eerie images may have left a lasting impression, such as the stretching faces of Adam and Barbara Maitland (portrayed by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis), attempting to frighten the Deetzes.
The original Beetlejuice movie reflects its era, as Beetlejuice himself isn’t exactly the most suitable demon character today. Similarly, some of the visual effects may seem dated at times. However, stop-motion animation remains an engaging element in any film, and the costumes and makeup create a lively and vivid depiction of the afterlife.
In essence, Tim Burton’s body of work, particularly his early creations, have left an indelible mark on both viewers and fellow filmmakers. Films such as “Beetlejuice,” “Edward Scissorhands,” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” revolutionized the horror, fantasy, and animation genres. His version of Batman reshaped the character, the superhero genre, and the concept of a Hollywood blockbuster. Even after close to four decades, “Beetlejuice” continues to be synonymous with the Tim Burton brand.
Gen Z loves the Beetlejuice … musical?
It’s logical that those who were kids during the 1988 release of “Beetlejuice” would eagerly watch the sequel on its premiere. Moreover, the success of the film “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” could be partly attributed to the growing influence of Generation Z – it appears that many Gen Z members have a fondness for the suit-wearing demon character from “Beetlejuice,” the musical.
2019 saw me witnessing the Broadway debut of this show, and although some influential critics panned it initially, it turned out to be an immense success. I believe the key factor was the surge of younger theater enthusiasts who were drawn to the musical due to its portrayal of Lydia as a more powerful protagonist. As the Los Angeles Times pointed out, this Lydia struck a chord with the younger generation not because she casually used trendy phrases but rather because she was authentically depicted as a Gen Z lead character: sharp, socially conscious, somewhat cynical, and emotionally sincere.
If you were on TikTok from about 2019 through early 2020, it’s possible that you came across numerous videos featuring Gen Z users dancing and miming to songs like “Say My Name.” On the other hand, the concept of “Beetlejuice” transcends generations and has maintained popularity in various forms.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice came out at the perfect time
It could seem logical that a movie like “Beetlejuice” would be best suited for an October release due to its spooky atmosphere. However, opening the film in early September might actually turn out to be extremely advantageous for its overall box office earnings. Ryan Scott made this observation, stating, “It stays on the screen right up until Halloween, providing it with almost two months to collect a reasonable amount of its revenue.
Scott additionally pointed out that September is usually a neglected month in Hollywood, providing an opportunity for the right film to shine. Apart from “The Front Room” with Brandy Norwood, nothing else seemed to debut alongside “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” suggesting a strategic decision may have been made.
The upcoming movie “Speak No Evil,” rated R and classified as a horror flick, is expected to have a successful run in the coming weeks, though it might not attract a large audience like family-friendly films do. Despite a slow start for summer movies with losses by “The Fall Guy” and “Furiosa,” blockbusters such as “Deadpool and Wolverine,” “Alien: Romulus,” and now “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” have revitalized the movie-going experience, giving hope for a more prosperous fall season.
The original cast is largely back
36 years have passed since the public last encountered the Deetz family and their mischievous demon Beetlejuice, making it understandable that fans were eagerly anticipating a reunion with these cherished characters. Notably, Michael Keaton is once again taking on the role of Beetlejuice, provided he wouldn’t be overused in the film. It might come as a surprise to some viewers that Beetlejuice originally appeared for approximately 17 minutes on screen. The sequel continues this restraint with Beetlejuice, concentrating more on the complex dynamics between three generations of Deetz women instead.
Interestingly enough, it’s not common occurrence that one gets to witness Winona Ryder in a fresh film these days. Although she was highly sought-after in the 90s for movies like “Edward Scissorhands” and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”, many people might be more familiar with her as Joyce Byers from “Stranger Things”. Moreover, her character Lydia is still cherished as a Gothic icon. Remarkably, those who remember her as a rebellious teen are now presented with the opportunity to watch her portray a mother trying to bond with her daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega).
Catherine O’Hara is warmly invited anytime, as she reprises her role as Delia Deetz. Recently, O’Hara has garnered much appreciation due to her portrayal of Moira Rose on “Schitt’s Creek.” Although some favorites like Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis are not present, the return of a significant portion of the original cast makes it an appealing theater visit for fans to witness these beloved characters again.
Jenna Ortega can be a big draw
jenna ortega has remarkably evolved from a Disney Channel star into a true horror film queen, often recognized as one of the young talents shaking up Hollywood. Ryan Scott commented, “Ortega made sure this sequel wasn’t just a trip down memory lane for nostalgic viewers; it also provided a point of entry for newer fans. This undoubtedly boosted the movie’s popularity on social media and during the press tour.
At the moment, it appears that supernatural or eerie projects are right up Ortega’s alley. She was a major attraction in the latest “Scream” movies and is now working on her second project with director Tim Burton, who is behind Netflix’s “Wednesday.” The first season of the revamped “Addams Family” series on Netflix is still their most-watched original series to date. Ortega has a strong appeal among Gen Z, as mentioned by Scott, because she offers an authentic voice and frequently uses her platform to address larger social issues. This authenticity resonates with Gen Z in much the same way that Lydia did in the “Beetlejuice” musical – Ortega seems genuinely real instead of creating a persona tailored for social media.
It’s true that not all films featuring Ortega have been box office hits. For instance, “Miller’s Girl,” a provocative erotic thriller, gained popularity only after being released on Netflix. Given that “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” showcases Ortega’s talents and style, it’s understandable that some audiences were interested in seeing her continue the Deetz legacy.
It’s Tim Burton’s first movie in five years
Tim Burton has amassed legions of fans over the years. After making a name for himself throughout the 1980s and ’90s, his output has decreased in recent years, with his last film being 2019’s live-action “Dumbo.” Burton actually stated that he believed “Dumbo” would be his last Disney movie: “I realized that I was Dumbo, that I was working in this horrible big circus and I needed to escape. That movie is quite autobiographical at a certain level.”
After that, Burton has taken on the role of director for four episodes of “Wednesday” on Netflix, as well as being a producer for the show. However, it’s been some time since fans have enjoyed a full-length Burton movie in cinemas. Given Beetlejuice’s status as one of Tim Burton’s most memorable characters, and the anticipation surrounding what else he might create, it seems almost inevitable that audiences would be eager to see his next project.
Fans might be fortunate enough to see another Tim Burton movie soon, as the director found inspiration again thanks to the character of Wednesday in a project he’s working on. He felt a strong connection to Lydia and was compelled to direct “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” expressing his interest by saying, “It was a character I understood deeply, one I had a deep affection for. I wondered about Lydia’s story, what happened to her? What does life look like for someone who was once a Gothic outcast 35 years later?” Let’s hope we won’t have such a long wait for his next film.
The trailer played up the original Beetlejuice’s aesthetic
The advancements in filmmaking technology since 1988 have been substantial. When word got out about a new “Beetlejuice” movie, some fans speculated if computer-generated imagery (CGI) might replace traditional visual effects. Thankfully, their concerns eased when the trailer was released, revealing that the original film’s aesthetic would be preserved in the sequel.
The shot of the sandworm indicated that stop-motion animation would still have a role in this movie, and as those who have seen the movie can attest, stop-motion plays a big role for a flashback sequence showing the death of Charles (played by Jeffrey Jones in the original film). There’s undoubtedly some CGI used throughout the movie, but adhering to the same look as the first film only increases the nostalgic appeal.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Tim Burton shared his reasoning behind the creative direction of the film. He emphasized that it should have a raw, handcrafted feel to it, rekindling his passion for filmmaking. Viewed as a return to his roots following the CGI-focused “Dumbo,” “Beetlejuice 2” stands out distinctively from current cinema releases, possibly drawing in audiences eager for something unique.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice opened to solid reviews
Over the past several years, numerous sequels based on classic franchises have been released, yet simply following up on an adored series is quite different from creating a quality one. Films like “Jurassic World: Dominion” earned significant profits despite negative critiques, but when a sequel manages to tell its story well, it’s a victory for both the creators and fans alike.
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Although some viewers pointed out issues with the film’s disjointed storyline, it received praise for its nostalgic appeal and the return of Michael Keaton as the ‘Juice. This seems to be sufficient entertainment for those seeking an enjoyable weekend watch, allowing them to overlook any shortcomings and simply enjoy the thrilling journey.
Legacy sequels can be big moneymakers
It makes perfect sense that studios are drawn to the idea of legacy sequels, given the current fascination with nostalgia. If a studio can produce a continuation of a film that was released decades ago, especially if some original actors are involved, audiences are likely to fill up movie theaters. This approach has yielded impressive results in films such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Jurassic World,” and this year’s “Scream.” However, the success rate seems to be more varied in 2024.
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The opening weekend of “Beetlejuice 2” is showing strong indications that it could earn as much as “Twister,” rather than “Ghostbusters,” in terms of box office revenue. While nostalgia can be potent, it appears it has its limits, as not all legacy sequels manage to smash the box office. A good story, a cherished character, or a unique visual aesthetic are often required to ensure success. With an ideal combination of these elements, “Beetlejuice 2” was destined for success, and the promise of further installments titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is likely to appeal to Warner Bros.
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2024-09-09 21:01