Tim Burton Reveals Why Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin Won’t Appear in ‘Beetlejuice’ Sequel
Tim Burton, the visionary director behind the original Beetlejuice film, has recently opened up about the absence of Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin in the much-anticipated sequel. Fans of the 1988 cult classic will recall Davis and Baldwin’s memorable roles as Adam and Barbara Maitland, a recently deceased couple navigating the afterlife while dealing with the eccentric Deetz family—Lydia (Winona Ryder), Delia (Catherine O’Hara), and Charles (Jeffrey Jones)—who move into their old Connecticut home. The Maitlands, desperate to reclaim their house, summon the mischievous demon Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) to scare away the new occupants, leading to a series of chaotic and supernatural events.
However, in the upcoming sequel, tentatively titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Burton has chosen to shift the focus away from the Maitlands, despite their integral role in the original. In a recent interview with People, Burton explained, “Even though they were such an amazing integral part of the first one, I was focusing on something else.” He emphasized that the sequel is not just about checking off boxes for the sake of continuity. Instead, Burton was drawn to the idea of exploring the dynamics of three generations—mother, daughter, and granddaughter—played by O’Hara, Ryder, and newcomer Jenna Ortega, respectively.
Burton further elaborated that this generational theme was the key to crafting a story that felt timely and relevant. The upcoming film will delve into why the Maitlands are no longer bound to their former home, offering a fresh perspective while still paying homage to the original.
The sequel will see the return of Michael Keaton as the iconic Beetlejuice, alongside Ryder and O’Hara. Jenna Ortega will join the cast as Ryder’s daughter, Astrid. New faces include Monica Bellucci, Justin Theroux, Arthur Conti from House of the Dragon, and Willem Dafoe, adding an exciting mix of talent to the cast.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is slated for release in theaters on September 6, and fans eagerly await this next chapter in the Beetlejuice saga.
