Jenna Ortega Reveals Michael Keaton Jump Scared Her as Beetlejuice

Jenna Ortega got quite a scare from her ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ co-star, Michael Keaton!

During her appearance on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’, the 21-year-old actress shared a hilarious story about Keaton, 72, surprising her on set while dressed as his famous character from the 1988 film.

“What’s it like when Michael Keaton shows up as Beetlejuice on set?” host Jimmy Fallon asked. “Does everyone get quiet or do people cry? I would cry.”

Ortega recounted, “He snuck up behind me while I was getting a hair and makeup test. I felt a tap on my shoulder, turned around, and it was a full-on jump scare. He was like, ‘Oh hey, I’m Michael,’ with moulds peeling off his face.”

Image Courtesy: People

She continued, laughing, “I played it cool, but it was a different story when I met him again out of costume. I introduced myself once more because I forgot we had already met.”

Fallon responded, “You didn’t meet Michael Keaton; you met Beetlejuice.” Ortega went on to describe Keaton as “the coolest” and admitted she was initially nervous about working with him, as well as with Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara, who reprise their roles from the original film.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think something like this would happen,” Ortega said. She plays Lydia’s teenage daughter, Astrid Deetz, in the sequel. “Lydia is the coolest character ever. I was definitely intimidated.”

Image Courtesy: People

Earlier this month, Ortega honoured Lydia’s style by wearing a custom Thom Browne outfit in New York City, reminiscent of the original film’s iconic final scene. The ensemble featured a navy cardigan with Lydia’s school emblem, a plaid skirt, and two-tone Mary Janes.

‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival and will hit theatres on 6th September.

–Farheen Ali