Tim Burton's 1988 cult classic is finally getting a well-deserved sequel. Beetlejuice x2 is coming to haunt theaters worldwide following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Trust us, it's going to be a scream!

The Original Beetlejuice

Released in 1988, Beetlejuice introduced us to the whimsical world of the recently deceased Maitlands (played by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis), who find themselves haunting their beloved home. When their attempts to scare off the new, living occupants fail, they summon Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), a mischievous and crude "bio-exorcist" from the Netherworld, to do the job. However, Beetlejuice's antics quickly spiral out of control, leading to a chaotic clash between the living and the dead. The film was a wild success, helped massively by Burton's signature visual style. Keaton's performance as Beetlejuice became one to remember, and pop culture remembers the movie to be just as strange and wonderful today as it was over three decades ago.

What's the Plot of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice?

After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return to their home in Winter River. Lydia, still haunted by her past encounters with Beetlejuice, finds her world turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, stumbles upon the mysterious model of the town in the attic. When Astrid accidentally opens a portal to the afterlife, it's only a matter of time before someone utters the name "Beetlejuice" three times, and the mischievous spirit is unleashed to wreak havoc once more.

More about Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Eerily eccentric, the first teaser for Beetlejuice 2 was released on March 21, showing franchise newcomer Jenna Ortega as Astrid, speeding past Miss Shannon's School for Girls on her bike, all to the tune of a children's choir singing "Day-O."

We also learned that Michael Keaton will return as the titular troublemaker Beetlejuice, alongside Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara, who reprise their roles as Lydia and Delia Deetz, respectively. The cast also includes Monica Bellucci as Beetlejuice's ex-wife, Willem Dafoe as a peculiar afterlife cop, Justin Theroux, Burn Gorman, and Arthur Conti.

Mark your calendars for September 6, 2024! Directed by Tim Burton and co-written by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar (the minds behind Wednesday), this sequel is set to resurrect the dark, whimsical charm of the original Beetlejuice for a whole new generation.

Fun Facts About Beetlejuice

- Did you know that the original title for the 1988 film was almost House Ghosts? Tim Burton jokingly suggested Scared Sheetless as a replacement and was shocked when the studio considered it.

 - Despite being the title character, Michael Keaton's Beetlejuice only appears on screen for about 17 minutes in the original film. Talk about making the most of your time!

 - Sammy Davis Jr. was one of Tim Burton's original choices to play Beetlejuice. Imagine how different the movie would have been!