Warner Bros. recently announced during their CinemaCon 2023 panel that the much-anticipated sequel to the 1988 cult classic 'Beetlejuice' is finally happening. Speculation has been growing regarding Jenna Ortega's potential involvement in the project, as she is rumored to be in contention for a starring role.
Ortega is currently featured in Tim Burton's Netflix series 'Wednesday,' a show centered around the iconic Addams Family character, Wednesday Addams. It was previously suggested by The Hollywood Reporter that Ortega may be collaborating with Burton on another project.
The original 'Beetlejuice' film, directed by Burton, tells the story of two ghosts who enlist the help of a mischievous spirit, Beetlejuice, to scare away the new residents of their home. The sequel is slated to begin production in London, with filming expected to commence in May or June.
Rumors surrounding 'Beetlejuice 2' have circulated for quite some time, gaining momentum in 2022 with reports that original stars Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder might be reprising their roles. Ortega is speculated to be portraying the daughter of Ryder's character in the upcoming film.
Despite the rumors, Burton has remained elusive when questioned about his involvement in directing the sequel. In a conversation with Deadline, he neither confirmed nor denied his participation, stating, "Nothing is out of the question." He also mentioned that he only considers a film to be in the works when he's physically on set shooting.
In May of last year, there were whispers that Johnny Depp might be making a post-trial movie comeback by starring in 'Beetlejuice 2.' Fans took to social media to share their excitement after noticing Depp's name seemingly appeared on a call sheet when they searched for the film on Google.
Back in March 2022, it was reported that Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B, would be producing the sequel for Warner Bros. However, no concrete information regarding casting or plot details was available at that time.
The original 'Beetlejuice' starred Michael Keaton in the titular role, alongside a talented ensemble cast featuring Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis. The film revolves around the story of Adam Maitland (Baldwin) and his wife, Barbara (Davis), who, after dying in a car accident, find themselves haunting their country home, unable to leave.
When the Deetz family, comprised of Charles, Delia, and their daughter Lydia, move in, the Maitlands try to scare them away but ultimately fail. Their efforts attract the attention of the troublesome spirit Beetlejuice, whose assistance quickly becomes hazardous for everyone involved.
As 'Beetlejuice 2' moves closer to production, fans are eagerly awaiting further details and confirmations regarding the film's cast and plot. With the legacy of the original film and Tim Burton's potential involvement, anticipation continues to build for this long-awaited sequel.
