Tim Burton’s long-awaited sequel to his 1988 cult classic Beetlejuice is finally making its streaming debut this week on Max. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Jenna Ortega, follows the wild supernatural adventures of the original film and introduces new characters, new chaos, and new laughs. Fans of the original film, as well as newcomers to the franchise, can now enjoy the sequel from the comfort of their homes, starting on December 6. The sequel had its theatrical release earlier this year on September 6, marking its return to the big screen after more than three decades. It quickly found an eager audience, grossing an impressive $294 million in North America and nearly $156 million internationally, culminating in a worldwide total of $450 million. After its successful theatrical run, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice premiered on premium video on demand (PVOD) on October 8, but now it is making its streaming debut on Max, offering yet another way for fans to enjoy this hilarious and spooky adventure.
For those who want to stream Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on Max, they must be subscribers to the Warner Bros. Discovery service. Max offers three different subscription tiers, including an ad-supported plan for $9.99 per month, an ad-free option for $16.99 per month, and a 4K Ultra HD, ad-free option for $20.99 per month. Subscribers will be able to access Beetlejuice Beetlejuice starting December 6, marking the film’s first appearance on a major streaming platform.
In the sequel, Michael Keaton reprises his iconic role as the mischievous and chaotic Beetlejuice, while Winona Ryder returns as Lydia Deetz, the goth teenager from the original film. Catherine O’Hara also makes her return as Lydia’s eccentric stepmother, Delia Deetz. However, the sequel introduces several fresh faces to the mix, including Jenna Ortega, who plays Lydia’s daughter, Astrid. Ortega’s addition to the cast has been highly anticipated, as her rise to fame on Netflix’s Wednesday has captured the attention of fans and critics alike. Other new characters in the film include Justin Theroux as Lydia’s boyfriend, Rory, and Willem Dafoe as Wolf Jackson, an actor in the Afterlife who has become stuck playing detectives. Monica Bellucci stars as Beetlejuice’s vengeful ex-wife, Delores, while Danny DeVito takes on the role of a janitor working in the Afterlife. These characters join the chaotic world of Beetlejuice in what promises to be a thrilling and comedic continuation of the original story.
The film’s official logline reads, “After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her teenage daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife.” This sets the stage for a story full of mischief, mayhem, and supernatural mishaps as Beetlejuice’s antics once again cause havoc for the Deetz family, this time bringing in new generations and new challenges. The sequel has clearly tapped into the enduring popularity of the original Beetlejuice film, which has become a timeless favorite among fans. The mix of dark humor, quirky characters, and Burton’s signature gothic aesthetic has kept the spirit of the original alive, while offering a fresh perspective with a new cast and storyline.
In a recent interview with screenwriters Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, who are best known for creating Netflix’s Wednesday, the duo discussed how they came to be involved in the project. According to Gough, director Tim Burton approached them while they were working on Wednesday’s first season. Gough and Millar would meet with Burton each day during filming, but one day, they received an unexpected message from his assistant, requesting a meeting. “We thought something was wrong,” Gough recalled with a laugh, but when they met with Burton, he explained that Beetlejuice was the film he was asked about most frequently by fans. Burton shared with them that he felt the opportunity to make the sequel was now or never. “If I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it,” he told them. This moment marked the beginning of their involvement in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Burton’s directive to the writers was clear: start fresh. “Tim told us, ‘Don’t read any other drafts. I want this to be a clean slate, and I want you guys to go and create a fresh story,’” Millar recalled. This gave the screenwriters the freedom to craft a new narrative without the constraints of prior drafts or the decades of development that had preceded them. The result is a film that feels both nostalgic and new, balancing the beloved elements of the original with an exciting new direction. After completing its theatrical run and PVOD release, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will now be available to stream on Max for those who missed its big-screen release. Fans of the original will undoubtedly appreciate the continuation of the story, while new viewers can dive into the strange and funny world that Burton has created once again.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Beetlejuice or new to the world of Winter River and its quirky inhabitants, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is sure to offer plenty of laughs, thrills, and a touch of Tim Burton’s trademark weirdness. The sequel continues to be a major player in the box office and will now bring its delightful mayhem to the screens of Max subscribers.
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