Tim Burton Skipped Rewatching Original ‘Beetlejuice’ Before Sequel Prep

Plans for a sequel to the 1988 cult classic ‘Beetlejuice’ lingered for decades, but when it finally materialised, director Tim Burton didn’t feel the need to revisit the original film. Despite the 35-year gap, Burton relied on his memories rather than rewatching the original to inform the new sequel. 

“I wasn’t out to do a big sequel for money or anything like that; I wanted to make this for very personal reasons,” Burton explained. “I didn’t watch the first movie to prepare for this. I remembered the spirit of it and I remembered everybody here,” he added.

Image Courtesy: Variety

Burton emphasised that his intention was never to create a sequel just for the sake of it. Instead, he sought a genuine connection to the material, finding it in a moment of personal reflection. 

Admitting that he felt “lost” at a certain point in his life, Burton described how returning to the world of ‘Beetlejuice’ revitalised his passion for filmmaking. Despite the advancements in technology, Burton chose to stick with the practical effects that gave the original film its unique energy. “It was great. That’s what gave the film its energy,” he shared.

The director faced challenges with the practical effects, as the set demanded new elements daily, but he remained committed to this approach. Burton praised his effects team for their ability to quickly bring these elements to life, which he believed was crucial in capturing the spontaneity and fun of filmmaking. 

“We just wanted to kind of not think about ‘sequel’ or [franchise], anything, just go and just make the movie,” he remarked. The much-anticipated sequel reunites original characters like Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice, Catherine O’Hara’s Delia, and Winona Ryder’s Lydia, while introducing new faces, including Jenna Ortega as Astrid Deetz. 

-Sushmita Sarkar