Tim Burton's Beetlejuice 2: Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux lead a star-studded cast

As we look back at the cinematic landscape of early 2023, the buzz around Beetlejuice 2, Tim Burton's long-anticipated sequel, was palpable, especially with the announcement of Jenna Ortega joining the cast. The possibility of a Beetlejuice sequel had been floating since the early 90s, but it wasn't until 2016 that Burton expressed a serious desire to revisit the iconic character, portrayed memorably by Michael Keaton. “It’s something that I really would like to do in the right circumstances,” Burton had said, setting the stage for a sequel that required just the right elements to materialize. Fast forward to early 2023, and the stars had finally aligned for Beetlejuice 2.

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Ortega and Theroux: Fresh faces to a cult classic

The casting of Jenna Ortega, fresh off her success in Netflix's Wednesday, added a fresh and exciting dynamic to the sequel. Rumours about Ortega's involvement began swirling in March, but it was only later confirmed that she would indeed be part of this iconic universe. Joining her is American actor and filmmaker Justin Theroux, whose role remained shrouded in mystery, adding to the anticipation. The connection between Beetlejuice 2 and Wednesday extended beyond Ortega, with screenwriters Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, collaborators with Burton on Wednesday, being tapped to pen the screenplay for the sequel. This synergy promised a harmonious blend of the two worlds, much to the delight of fans.

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Production kicks off in London

Variety reported that production for Beetlejuice 2 had begun in London on May 10, 2023. The film's production, under the banner of Brad Pitt’s Plan B company, hinted at a high-caliber approach to this sequel, ensuring that the legacy of the original Beetlejuice was honored while paving the way for a new chapter.

As Beetlejuice 2 gears up, the excitement and expectations from fans of the original are sky-high. With a blend of Burton's visionary direction, Ortega's rising star power, and Theroux's enigmatic presence, this sequel promises to be a significant event in the world of cinema. The return to this whimsical, quirky universe, coupled with modern storytelling and new faces, marks a thrilling new chapter for Beetlejuice and its enduring legacy. Beetlejuice 2 is set to be theatrically released on September 6, 2024.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)