Tim Burton's 1988 supernatural comedy, Beetlejuice, remains one of the most beloved horror comedies of all time. With its quirky plot and unforgettable characters, the film grossed $73.7 million on a modest $15 million budget, cementing its place in cinematic history. It tells the story of a deceased couple who, desperate to reclaim their home from an obnoxious living family, hire a wild and unpredictable "bio-exorcist" named Beetlejuice to scare them away. Michael Keaton's portrayal of the titular character, with his creepy yet hilarious antics, steals the show despite his limited screen time. Beetlejuice quickly became a cult classic, inspiring an animated series, a video game, and even a Broadway musical. Fans have been clamoring for a sequel for over three decades, and it seems their wish is finally coming true.

The new trailer for the much-anticipated sequel has arrived, and it's a nostalgic ride back to the bizarre world of Beetlejuice. The original cast is back: Michael Keaton reprises his role as the mischievous Beetlejuice, Winona Ryder returns as Lydia Deetz, and Catherine O'Hara is once again the eccentric Delia Deetz.

Joining the original cast are exciting new characters. Jenna Ortega plays Astrid Deetz, Lydia's rebellious teenage daughter, who inadvertently opens a portal to the afterlife by uttering Beetlejuice's name three times. Monica Bellucci steps in as Delores, Beetlejuice's ex-wife with some unfinished business with the notorious Beetle Juice, and Willem Dafoe takes on the role of Wolf Jackson, a ghost detective who was once a B-movie action star. Justin Theroux plays Lydia's husband, adding more depth to the family dynamic.

After 36 years of peace, chaos returns when Astrid's curiosity unleashes Beetlejuice once more. The sequel promises a thrilling and humorous battle of coexistence between the living, the dead, and the downright evil. Expect to see the same B-movie animation style and quirky setting that made the original so iconic, alongside outstanding new characters and adventures. With the new sequel movie, Burton will try to address a few plot holes. For example, the origin of Beetlejuice's power, why he has power over both the dead and the living, and what makes him different from others, especially in the case of teenage Lydia in the 1988 movie.

Before we dive into the sequel, let's refresh our memories with some important facts about the original Beetlejuice.

1. Alternative Movie Titles

Beetlejuice, named after the ninth brightest star in the sky (in the constellation Orion), almost had a different name. Warner Brothers initially struggled to find a catchy title and wanted to call the movie House Ghost. Tim Burton jokingly suggested Scared Sheetless, and to his shock, Warner Brothers took it seriously. Thankfully, Burton stuck to his guns, and Beetlejuice it was.

2. Michael Keaton and Tim Burton’s Unique Bond

Michael Keaton initially didn’t understand the movie or the character of Beetlejuice, but he agreed to the role because he liked Tim Burton. Burton encouraged Keaton to create Beetlejuice's look, leading to the character’s wild hair and moldy face. Keaton’s unique interpretation solidified the character’s memorable appearance.

3. Beetlejuice: From Horror to Comedy

Originally, Beetlejuice was intended to be a full-blown horror film before Tim Burton came on board and lightened things up. The initial script was much darker and more violent, akin to A Nightmare on Elm Street. The Beetlejuice character was envisioned as a winged demon, and in human form, he was a short Middle Eastern man. The Maitlands' death scene was also much more gruesome. Despite this dark tone, the original ending was surprisingly sweet, with the Maitlands and their house shrinking into a model where they blissfully spend their afterlife, taking care of a shrunken Lydia Deetz while her parents return to New York City.

4. The Calypso Soundtrack

Beetlejuice features a killer soundtrack by Danny Elfman, but it also includes R&B and Calypso songs. This unique choice makes the movie timeless. Opting for contemporary '80s music would have dated the film. Burton's selection gave the movie a distinctive, playful feel, with unforgettable scenes like the "Day-O" dance.

5. Sammy Davis Jr. as Beetlejuice?

It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Michael Keaton in the role of Beetlejuice, but Tim Burton's first choice was Sammy Davis Jr. Warner Brothers didn’t agree, leading to Keaton’s iconic portrayal. However, it’s fascinating to imagine how different the movie would have been with Davis

6. Beetlejuice is Hardly in the Movie

Despite being the title character, Beetlejuice appears on screen for only 17 minutes. Michael Keaton’s performance is so strong that his limited appearance dominates the movie, making him the most memorable character.

7. The Insane Animated Series

Beetlejuice’s success led to an animated series that lasted four seasons. The show deviated from the movie, with Beetlejuice and Lydia as best friends going on adventures. Despite these differences, the series captured the movie’s bizarre energy, becoming a favorite among '90s kids.

8. Deleted and Alternative Scenes

Beetlejuice had several deleted and alternative scenes. One interesting scene showed the dimension outside the Maitlands' house as a dark space with giant gears, eventually changed to the sandworm-infested planet. These changes made the final version more effective and visually interesting.

9. A Happier Ending for Beetlejuice

Originally, Beetlejuice was stuck in the Maitlands' model with sandworms. Test audiences didn’t want his punishment to be too harsh, leading to the alternative ending in the afterlife reception waiting room, where Beetlejuice gets a shrunken head but remains undaunted. This comical ending suits the character perfectly.

10. Anjelica Huston Was Almost Delia Deetz

The role of Delia Deetz, famously played by Catherine O'Hara, was initially given to Anjelica Huston. Unfortunately, Huston had to drop out due to illness, leading Burton to convince O'Hara to take on the role. Huston later starred in other supernatural movies like The Witches and The Addams Family. For Lydia Deetz, several actresses were considered, including Lori Loughlin, Diane Lane, Sarah Jessica Parker, Brooke Shields, Justine Bateman, Molly Ringwald, and Jennifer Connelly. Juliette Lewis auditioned, but it was Winona Ryder who won Burton over, thanks to her performance in Lucas.

Revisiting the Classic Beetlejuice: 10 Fascinating Facts About the Original Film