Why Isn’t Otho in ‘Beetlejuice 2’?
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ steers clear of the typical legacy sequel pitfalls of overburdening viewers with nostalgic references. Tim Burton prudently concentrates on improving Lydia Deetz’s adult life. Winona Ryder portrays Lydia, who now makes money off of her paranormal skills while attempting to provide for her daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega). Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), on the other hand, clings to the past and is still fixated with Lydia after over thirty years.
There isn’t much space for many recurring characters because Lydia and Astrid are the main focus of the narrative. The tale of Adam and Barbara Maitland from the 1988 movie is finished, Lydia’s mother Delia (Catherine O’Hara) appears, and Charles Deetz is not there because of his legal issues with actor Jeffrey Jones. Another significant individual who isn’t addressed or shown is Otho Fenlock, played by Glenn Shadix.
Image Courtesy: AP News
An intriguing character in the first movie was Otho, a flamboyant interior decorator and paranormal aficionado. He differed from the doubtful Deetz family in that he shared Lydia’s interest in the afterlife. But he was an unintentional nemesis who almost brought down the Maitlands because of his abuse of the Handbook for the Recently Deceased. Otho’s pretence of refinement is highlighted in his last scene, in which ‘Beetlejuice’ degrades him by stripping him down to a pastel suit. It’s unclear what happened to him following this humiliation, but it’s hinted that he lost Delia’s favour because of her success, making him unimportant.
The unfortunate death of Otho actor Glenn Shadix in 2010 precludes his comeback. Shadix was an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ issues and a small mainstay in Burton’s movies.
Although his disappearance might have called for homage, Otho’s involvement in the follow-up is split between new characters like Lydia’s companion Rory and Astrid’s boyfriend Jeremy. Similar to ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, ‘Beetlejuice’ places more emphasis on progress than on overly sentimental content, therefore Otho remains a part of the franchise’s rich but unexplored past.
–Farheen Ali
