EntertainmentWhen the original film became a hit, she wasn't even born yet

When the original film became a hit, she wasn't even born yet

Jenna Ortega will be the star of the second part of "Bug's Juice"
Jenna Ortega will be the star of the second part of "Bug's Juice"
Images source: © Instagram

5:52 PM EST, November 21, 2023

Last summer, it was reported that an actors' strike had interrupted the filming of "Beetlejuice 2" in Hollywood. The production was halted for almost three months before filming could resume. As it transpired, the film crew only needed two more days to wrap up shooting.

"Beetlejuice," a Tim Burton creation, swiftly became one of the biggest cinematic successes in 1988. It's also considered a cult classic and a masterpiece of black comedy among movie enthusiasts. The plot involves a couple of...deceased individuals, or ghosts, who aim to eject the new inhabitants from their dwelling. They call upon a bio-exorcist - Beetlejuice from the afterlife, to accomplish this.

For a while now, Tim Burton has been planning the sequel. The earliest whisperings of this news surfaced in 2011. It was revealed that the final iteration of the script allowed for the return of three stars from the original movie.

Beetlejuice (1988) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

The roles of Michael Keaton (as Beetlejuice), Winona Ryder (as Lydia), and Catherine O'Hara (as Delia) were set to be reprised. However, the project required a new-generation star. Eventually, the ideal candidate was found - Jenny "Wednesday" Ortega, portraying Lydia's daughter.

Newcomers to Burton's sequel included Monica Bellucci (as Beetlejuice's wife), Willem Dafoe, and Justin Theroux. Hollywood media indicated that not all actors needed to resume filming after the unexpected hiatus.

The premiere of "Beetlejuice's" second installment will be saved for later, most likely not appearing in theaters until next September. So, there's more than enough time to revisit the brilliant original film from 35 years ago. Interestingly, it is even possible to watch it on the big screen. It will be featured on the 21st of December as part of the OFF Thursdays with Storytel project at Multikino.

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