14 DAY TRIAL // Great news right before Halloween: one of the most popular ghost movies ever made, “Beetlejuice,” is getting a sequel. Director Tim Burton and leading man Michael Keaton are both bound to return.
The movie studio isn’t saying anything on the topic yet, but The Wrap has confirmed with “multiple individuals familiar with the project” that the director has signed on the dotted line for “Beetlejuice 2” and will soon start work on it.
Keaton too will be back, because, let’s face it, it wouldn’t be a “Beetlejuice” story without him.
“The Geffen Company, which produced the 1988 classic, will produce the sequel with Seth Grahame-Smith and David Katzenberg of KatzSmith Productions,” the movie publication says.
As of now, there’s no word on the production schedule, but the same media outlet reports that a working script is already done.
“Grahame-Smith, who penned the Burton-produced adaptation of ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter,’ wrote the script that Warner Bros. has confidence in,” The Wrap writes.
Before you roll your eyes and complain that Hollywood is truly running out of original ideas, the e-zine stresses that, while this is true, the timing of the sequel is absolutely perfect.
“The timing feels right for a return to Beetlejuice’s graveyard, as the character remains a beloved part of pop culture who maintains a presence at theme parks around the world. The character also spawned a successful animated TV series,” The Wrap says.
Moreover, Tim Burton has to earn his way back into the good graces of the fans, the public, and his financial backers after “Dark Shadows,” which was anything but a hit even though it was a new collaboration with Johnny Depp and included other huge stars.
Keaton, on the other hand, is making a comeback right now, which means that, by the time Burton gets to make the sequel, he will be at the peak of said comeback.
As the saying goes, when the stars align, you just know it’s the right time to do something. This seems to be the case with “Beetlejuice 2,” so tell us, are you excited about it?