“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” Kicks Off Venice Film Festival with Star-Studded Premiere
The 81st Venice Film Festival commenced with a splashy Hollywood-style opening, featuring the world premiere of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” on Wednesday evening. Directed by Tim Burton, the sequel brings back familiar faces and introduces new ones, continuing the quirky legacy of the beloved 1988 horror-comedy.
Reuniting Iconic Cast and Crew
Tim Burton has reunited several key cast members from the original “Beetlejuice,” including Michael Keaton as the titular ghoul, Catherine O’Hara, and Winona Ryder, who reprises her role as Lydia Deetz. In this sequel, Lydia is now a mother to a sullen teen, portrayed by Jenna Ortega. Burton, known for his unique vision, shared his personal motivation behind the project.
“I’m not out to do a big sequel for money,” Burton said before the premiere. “I wanted to make this for very personal reasons.” He revealed that the film reignited his passion for filmmaking after feeling disillusioned with the industry. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was a creative endeavor that helped him rediscover his love for the process.
A Nostalgic Return
Thirty-six years after the release of the original “Beetlejuice,” Burton admitted he never fully understood the film’s success and didn’t revisit it for this sequel. “There are so few opportunities to be in something that you can say is 100% original and unique,” Keaton remarked, noting that his character has evolved. “I think my character has matured,” he added with a smile.
Production and Creative Spirit
Despite being a major Hollywood release, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was created with a scrappy and improvisational spirit. Burton humorously acknowledged that the film might not win awards for special effects, but this unconventional approach is part of its charm. The production involved spontaneous puppet-building and a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged creativity.
The storyline follows Lydia, now a host of a ghost-hunting TV show, along with her stepmother Delia and her daughter Astrid, who is skeptical of ghosts. The family returns to the Winter River home after the death of Charles. Jenna Ortega, who joined the franchise through her work with Burton on the Netflix series “Wednesday,” expressed her excitement about the project and her trust in Burton.
Returning to a Beloved Role
Winona Ryder, who was 15 when she first played Lydia, described the experience of returning to the role as a dream come true. “It had been such a special experience, the first one, and just to be able to come back to it was a dream come true,” Ryder said. She praised Burton for creating a playful and safe environment on set.
New Faces and Characters
The sequel introduces new cast members, including Justin Theroux as Lydia’s sleazy boyfriend and manager, Willem Dafoe as a deceased cop/actor, and Monica Bellucci as a vengeful ghost. Theroux noted the absence of typical studio pressures, which contributed to a more relaxed and enjoyable filming experience.
Burton’s Vision and Festival Premiere
Burton’s dedication to the project is evident in the film’s blend of music, references to Italian and Spanish cinema, and nods to his favorite “dumb movies.” “It’s like a weird family movie,” Burton said, emphasizing that his love for the project was key to its success.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is premiering out of competition at the Venice Film Festival, which runs through September 7. The festival will soon be bustling with celebrities, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Lady Gaga, and Angelina Jolie.
With its playful spirit and star-studded cast, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” sets a lively tone for the Venice Film Festival. Fans of the original film can look forward to a fresh take on the beloved franchise, crafted with the same creativity and charm that made the original a classic.
