Actors Jenna Ortega and Catherine O'Hara Discuss Beetlejuice 2: Insights on their Roles
A Hysterical Excitement Over Beetlejuice's Return
Get ready to dip your toes back into the ghoulish underworld, as Tim Burton's enchanting sequel to his adored cult classic, Beetlejuice, scares its way into theatres in a few weeks. Ever since its initial release more than three decades ago, the film has only grown in popularity, leaving fans chomping at the bit for its highly anticipated return. We had the privilege to chat with some of the stars set to haunt the big screen once again, including the returning Catherine O'Hara (as Delia Deetz) and the promising newcomer, Jenna Ortega (playing Astrid, the daughter of Winona Ryder's Lydia Deetz). The lingering enigma behind the film's unnerving allure? none other than the fabulous Tim Burton.
"He's simply magnificent, the most playful, considerate, creator of chaos, original visionary director anyone could ask for," O'Hara confided to us. She initially harbored reservations about how a follow-up to Beetlejuice could ever hope to succeed, but any lingering doubts were erased by Burton's pitch. "As I listened to Tim's ideas about the sequel, I found myself saying 'This is going to be fantastic!'"
Ortega, who previously collaborated with Burton on the hit Netflix series Wednesday, echoed O'Hara's sentiment. "I've been fortunate to join a handful of franchises, reboots, and spin-offs throughout my career, and there's always a sense of pressure to fit in with the established world. But when you're working with someone as brilliant as Tim Burton, that pressure becomes eased," she explained. "I wanted to honor the source material and presented characters while also bringing my own flair. Surrounding myself with such talented individuals took the edge off, knowing I was in good company."
When probed about the degree of improvisation that graced the set of Beetlejuice: Bet on the Juice, Ortega shared that there was a touch of improvisation woven into the production. "It's not entirely scripted; Tim has a knack for allowing spontaneity to drive the filmmaking process. Sometimes it's his intuition guiding the choices, or perhaps an unexpected aspect of the location seeping into the scene. Whatever the case, he adapts and trusts in the moment, ensuring each take maintains a sense of freshness."
O'Hara concurred, noting that Burton had a clear vision for the film but was always receptive to the actors' suggestions: "He knew exactly what he wanted in each scene, but he was open to what felt right for the characters and the scenes themselves.We would bounce ideas off each other, and he'd allow us to be creative within the context of the film. It was the epitome of a collaborative, supportive set."
Beetlejuice: Bet on the Juice, which boasts an impressive cast that includes Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, and Justin Theroux, will dazzle cinema-goers on September 6.
Craving more io9 news? Delve into the anticipated release dates for the latest entries in the Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek universes, and discover the future plans for the DC Universe on the silver screen and small screen. Also, brace yourself for all the thrilling developments in the ever-evolving Doctor Who universe.
- The return of Beetlejuice, with its impressive cast that includes the returning Catherine O'Hara (as Delia Deetz) and newcomer Jenna Ortega (as Astrid), is set to bring excitement to audiences as Tim Burton's enchanting sequel to his cult classic scares its way into theatres.
- Jenna Ortega, who previously collaborated with Burton on the hit Netflix series Wednesday, reflected that working with the original visionary director offers a chance to honor the established world while also bringing her own flair.
- Ortega revealed that the production of Beetlejuice: Bet on the Juice isn't entirely scripted, with Burton allowing for spontaneity to drive the filmmaking process, trusting the moment to maintain a sense of freshness.
- Fans can anticipate not only the highly awaited Beetlejuice sequel but also the upcoming releases of the Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and DC universes, as well as thrilling developments in the Doctor Who universe, according to io9's news.
