The Stranger Things star Winona Ryder who has been a frequent collaborator and friend with legendary filmmaker Tim Burton, is set to appear once again in his upcoming sequel Beetlejuice 2. Officially titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the movie is set to release in September 2024, featuring Michael Keaton.
Meanwhile, taking a look back at the original 1988 fantasy comedy Beetlejuice, Winona Ryder addressed her first meeting with Tim Burton. In an interview with Collider, Ryder recalled how it took her some time before she even realized she was speaking with the director, himself.
Winona Ryder Recalled Her First Meeting with Tim Burton
From Edward Scissorhands to Frankenweenie, Winona Ryder has been a frequent collaborator for Tim Burton, who recognized her talent, despite the actress failing to recognize him. According to her 2012 interview with Collider, Ryder admitted how she initially failed to realize that she was talking to Burton himself, during their first meet.
Well, the story goes somewhat this way. When Tim Burton was working on his 1988 horror-comedy Beetlejuice, he planned to meet Winona Ryder for a role in the film. Although the actress’ lack of experience kept her from being his first choice, Ryder was still sought for a meeting with the filmmaker. But unfortunately, when the actress went to meet him, she failed to recognize Burton.
“I vividly remember meeting him. I had black hair. I was talking to someone in the waiting room for a while, just about movies and music. And then, after about 30 minutes, I was like, “Do you know when this Tim Burton guy is showing up, cause I may be in the wrong building?’ and he was like, ‘Oh, that’s me.’ I had no idea that a director could be so cool, in that way.”
Recalling how things happened quickly for her to even fathom, Winona Ryder mentioned landing the role, despite her lack of experience. The actress played Lydia Deetz in Tim Burton’s hit film Beetlejuice, alongside Michael Keaton’s titular character Beetlejuice.
Winona Ryder is Set to Reappear in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice 2
Working with Tim Burton in his 1988 comedy horror has been a great experience for Winona Ryder. Thereafter, she starred in several other fantasy horror and gothic movies of Burton, with the likes of Johnny Depp and more. Now, Ryder is set to reprise her role in the filmmaker’s upcoming Beetlejuice sequel, which is set to hit the theatres in September 2024.
Recalling her experience from the set of her original Beetlejuice movie, Winona Ryder noted how her work experience turned out just as unique as meeting Tim Burton himself. Admitting that she had no idea that a director could be so cool, Ryder went on to praise Burton and express her gratitude towards his assistance.
“I had no idea that a director could be so cool, in that way. I had only worked with more authoritative directors. On the set for Beetlejuice, it was before people would go watch on monitors, and directors would be next to the camera. Tim would be watching you, and it was very peripheral while you were trying to be in the moment.”
Meanwhile, as Tim Burton found himself working with Winona Ryder once again for the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, 35 years later, the director discussed the experience of their reunion. Claiming to get almost choked up over their collaboration, Burton expressed his unbelievable happiness as the sequel gradually proceeds to be a reality.
“Working with these people again, and seeing them all, it was very emotional for me. Again, just going back to the old, same puppets and techniques. It goes back to the good old days.” Burton told BFI.
With his upcoming sequel revolving around Lydia and the Deetz family, Tim Burton noted working on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, without looking back at his old film or Winona Ryder’s character. Promising to offer a new take on the upcoming sequel, Burton’s movie is also set to star Jenna Ortega as a new addition.
Beetlejuice is available on Apple TV.
