Summary
TheBeetlejuicefranchise is one that has stood the test of time, with the original being a hit film that people still talk about today. Meanwhile, 2024’sBeetlejuice Beetlejuiceshowcased that modern audiences are just as receptive to those characters as it proved to be a hit at the box office.
That is why fans were excited when it was revealed that development had already begun onBeetlejuice 3,accordingto producer Mike De Luca. However, it appears that things might not be as simple as they first seemed forBeetlejuice 3, regardless of its popularity and the benefits it would bring toWarner Bros.
While people believed thatBeetlejuice 3was in the works, during a recent interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, Tim Burton surprisingly said,“Really? Nobody told me. Maybe I’ve been replaced,” seemingly refuting the idea. His response was then strengthened by Jenna Ortega, whojoined the cast for the 2024 sequel, as she said,“Maybe I’ve been, too. Maybe [her character] Astrid dies and goes to heaven instead [of the film’s netherworld.] They should just take Baby Beetlejuice on tour and send him to Hawaii.”
BURTON:It took 35 years to make the second one, so by that time I’ll be 105. I know those odds are not good. I really, really enjoyed making this one, and [Warner Bros.] didn’t even really want to do it. We did it the same way I did the first one, with the actors doing improv. It was beautiful to see some of the old cast and have Jenna. But it’s like trying to re-create theWednesdaydance scene. I love the characters, but I don’t necessarily see it.
BURTON:No. I feel very proprietary about everything I do, even if I don’t own the characters. When they did the [BeetlejuiceBroadway musical], I got pissed.
And Jenna, if they said, “We wantBeetlejuice 3, but Tim is not directing it …“
ORTEGA:Oh, I would never. I also think anybody would be really wrong to get behind that project. Without him involved, what is it? It is what it is because of Tim. There’s no other film you can compareBeetlejuiceto. So why would you do that? That would be a tad disrespectful.
The latest comments from Burton and Ortega will no doubt have been disappointing to a lot of people,given the popularity ofBeetlejuice Beetlejuice.The long-awaited sequel had the second-highest September opening weekend in US history, grossing $111 million and a further $147.2 million in its first weekend alone.The total worldwide gross ended up being $451 million, which showcased that modern audiences remain interested in the property; therefore, making it a no-brainer for Warner Bros. to create a third film.
However, at this point, it appears that neither Burton nor Ortega is attached toBeetlejuice 3, despite claims that development is underway. Warner Bros. waited specifically for Burton to return to greenlight the sequel; therefore, the idea of him not returning to be part of a potential third movie would be a surprise. The same could be said for Ortega, who became one of thelead characters inBeetlejuice Beetlejuice.With her career only continuing to grow, it would make no sense for her not to be brought back, and she’s made it clear that will only happen if Burton is also involved.Although there is a chance that Burton and Ortega are simply holding back the truth for a bigger surprise down the line when it’s officially announced.
However, when taking their responses at face value, all the signs point towardBeetlejuice 3not being in development at this stage, despite previous claims. While it’s a disappointing update following how entertainingBeetlejuice Beetlejuicewas, fans wouldn’t want to see the trilogy created if Ortega,and more importantly, Burton, were not involved in the project. Fans of the franchise would want Burton to be interested and excited about creating a third film to ensure that it becomes a success, but if they’re not involved, then there’s a chance that Warner Bros. is pushing on without them, ensuringBeetlejuicefans don’t have to wait a further 35 years for another movie.
