It’s been more than 30 years since the first Beetlejuice terrified and tickled audiences. Now, Michael Keaton is back as the iconic bio-exorcist in the much-anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara are coming back to play Lydia and Delia Deetz again. Plus, fans will get to see some new faces in the movie. Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, and Monica Bellucci are joining the cast to play brand new characters.
But fans will notice the void of two main characters: Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin, who played the Maitlands (Barbara and Adam) in the original movie. However, Davis has an explanation for her and her co-star’s absence.
The Reason Behind Geena Davis’ Absence from the Beetlejuice Sequel
Geena Davis explained to ET Online why she’s not in the Beetlejuice sequel. She pointed out that since ghosts don’t age, it wouldn’t make sense for her or Alec Baldwin‘s character to be in the new movie without looking older.
The Maitlands were young when they died, so having them stay the same age as ghosts could cause a problem with the timeline of the new film. Here’s what Davis had to say-
“No, I’m not. I’m not in the remake. Oh, you were expecting that I would be? Yeah, no, you know what? Because my theory is that ghosts don’t age… Not that I have. Our characters were stuck the way they looked when they died forever, so it’s been a while, it’s been a minute.”
However, Michael Keaton‘s return as Beetlejuice throws a wrench in this theory. Unlike the recently deceased Maitlands, Beetlejuice is an ancient, uniquely monstrous entity. Perhaps his extended time as a mischievous spirit allows him to manipulate his ghostly form in ways the Maitlands can’t.
Six Original Characters Still Missing from Beetlejuice 2
Fans are super excited for the new Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie. But a lot of us are wondering where some of our favorite characters from the first movie are. Alongside the confirmed absence of the Maitlands, there are six more characters whose return seems uncertain.
Juno, Otho, and Miss Argentina, played by Sylvia Sidney, Robert Goulet, and Anjelica Huston respectively, are missing possibly due to the unfortunate passing of the actors.
Bernard, Delia Deetz’s agent portrayed by Dick Cavett, might have a minor role, but his return is not guaranteed. Jane, the persistent real estate agent played by Annie McEnroe, might also be left out, despite surviving the events of the first film.
The comedic ghosts of the Recently Deceased Football Team provided some slapstick fun but their reappearance is up in the air. Harry the Hunter, a memorable face in the waiting room, leaves fans wondering about his fate.
Lastly, the Witch Doctor, another iconic ghost from the waiting room, has an unconfirmed presence in the sequel, too. So, as fans get ready for the sequel, they’ll have to wait and see if any of these characters come back to surprise fans.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is releasing in theatres on 5 September, 2024.
