'They Called Me a Witch': Winona Ryder returns as the goth icon in the anticipated Beetlejuice 2

From Goth Teen to Goth Mom: Ryder’s Striking Transformation

She's back! Winona Ryder returns to her iconic role as the mother of the bride in the much-anticipated sequel of Beetlejuice. Captured on the Hertfordshire, England set, Ryder resumes her place in this macabre world, and it's none other than the rising star, Jenna Ortega, who steps in as Lydia Deetz's daughter. As revealed by People, Ortega was seen dazzling in a silk and tulle wedding gown, complemented by a trench coat, chunky white platform boots with pink laces, and a flowing veil. Her dark hair styled into an updo, she was all smiles as she walked among the crew.

Ryder, the Stranger Things veteran, was spotted getting a hair touch-up by an MUA specialist, donning a puffy black coat and matching Ugg boots. Her spiky dark brunette hairstyle is a delightful throwback to the unforgettable aesthetic of Tim Burton's 1988 cult classic.

Michael Keaton's Ghostly Absence and Ortega's Welcome Presence

Though fans might feel the conspicuous absence of Michael Keaton, who plays the unnerving Betelgeuse in the movie, the photographs promise a deliciously eerie continuation of the beloved story. Keaton's absence, while noted, does little to diminish the excitement surrounding Ortega's casting as Lydia's daughter - a move that many consider a perfect fit for the spooky narrative.

Looking back, Ryder, who was a mere 16 when the first Beetlejuice premiered, once candidly admitted the challenges she faced playing the dark, eccentric character. "I remember thinking, 'Ooh, it's, like, the number-one movie," she confessed in a 2017 interview with Marie Claire U.K., "This is going to make things great at school. But it made things worse. They called me a witch."

But as we all know, the joke's on them. Beetlejuice, also starring Catherine O'Hara, Alec Baldwin, and Geena Davis, went on to become a cult classic, adored by goth fans worldwide. Ryder's return in May, appearing as pale and goth as ever, is a testament to the enduring allure of this 80s gem. Will Beetlejuice 2 live up to the original's cult status? We'll find out in September 2024!

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