I know that you’ve been waiting with baited breath to find out if that rumor about Tim Burton directing Beetlejuice 2 was anywhere close to true. Well, we now have word via The Wrap that the director is in talks to take the helm on the sequel to his iconic 1988 film about the ghost with the most.
Are you excited? I’m excited.
Burton’s involvement with Beetlejuice 2 has always been in the offing, as he’s the most likely directorial candidate for a sequel to his own classic. But until now, only rumors have abounded, with no semi-official corroboration that he’s even interested in the film. While it seems unlikely that Beetlejuice 2 will be his next project, it is now, at the very least, on the table for future production.
The director isn’t the only one who may be returning though, as Michael Keaton is also attached to reprise his role as the madcap ghost that tried to marry Winona Ryder in the first film. That almost makes me happier than hearing about Burton’s involvement; Keaton originated the role, after all, and I can’t imagine anyone else taking on that part.
So that’s where we’re at with Beetlejuice 2, and it’s not a bad place to be. While there’s always the lingering question of whether this film is really needed, it’s good to know that some of the original team are talking about coming back. That might outweigh the reservations I have about Seth Grahame-Smith writing the screenplay.
While I’m definitely excited for Burton’s involvement in the upcoming sequel, I’ll be the first to admit that he has had a rough run of films recently: Dark Shadows was not exactly a critical success and his Alice in Wonderland mostly garnered murmurs that Burton is a has-been. Let’s hope that the Beetlejuice sequel will be a return to form for the once great director.
We’ll keep an eye out and let you know what’s going on with Beetlejuice 2 as more news develops.