Beetlejuice 3 Risks Repeating A Tim Burton Mistake That Led To His $1 Billion Disappointment 14 Years Ago

After the success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice 3 needs to happen, but it risks repeating a major $1 billion Tim Burton disappointment from 14 years ago. Although a sequel to the original Beetlejuice was being asked for for years, it only now happened in 2024, with many of the fans of the original knowing that Tim Burton had to return for a sequel in order for it to be good. Luckily, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice managed to be a worthy successor to the original thanks to Tim Burton’s involvement, which is an essential ingredient for a potential Beetlejuice 3.




Although it took nearly four decades, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice managed to expand the world, themes, and tone of Tim Burton’s original movie, which is why it works so well as a legacy sequel. Rather than relying on nostalgia baiting the audience, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice tells a new story with new elements, taking the original movie and making it even bigger. The introduction of new elements to the world of Beetlejuice means that there is potential for Beetlejuice 3 to push things even further, bringing back Michael Keaton for another afterlife adventure – but Tim Burton has to return too.


Why Beetlejuice 3 Could Happen

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Was Such A Big Success


Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was a massive box office success, with the film being a hit in theaters and on streaming. Due to the sequel being this successful nearly 40 years after the release of the original Beetlejuice, a third Beetlejuice movie seems likely, with the film having made $450 million on a budget of $100 million. Warner Bros. obviously would want to capitalize on the potential of a successful franchise like Beetlejuice, meaning that it would be shocking if they don’t greenlight another Beetlejuice sequel soon.

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Beetlejuice‘s sequel potential after the success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is massive, with there being all kinds of stories that can be told within the world of Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice introduces several storylines that could be explored in a third movie, such as Lydia Deetz’s missing mom, the future of Astrid Deetz, and the entire concept of soul swapping. There have already been all kinds of talks about a third Beetlejuice movie, with Tim Burton, the cast of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and more hinting that another film could happen.

Beetlejuice 3 Has To Happen For The Right Reasons To Avoid Past Tim Burton Mistakes

It Needs To Be Another Tim Burton Passion Project

If Beetlejuice 3 only happens because the studio wants it to happen, then this will be a major mistake that could lead to the continuation of a Tim Burton trend. Although Tim Burton was an acclaimed director up through the early 2000s, he soon became a gun-for-hire director, with him having to direct all kinds of franchise films that he didn’t particularly care about. This led to the era of live-action Disney remakes like Alice in Wonderland and Dumbo, with this being considered the darkest point in his career.


These films lack the passion and creativity of Tim Burton, with it almost seeming like he went on autopilot. If Warner Bros. decides to do Beetlejuice 3 with or without Tim Burton’s involvement, Burton would likely sign on, as Beetlejuice is one of his most personal projects. Burton most likely wouldn’t want to see another director taking over his franchise, with the announcement of a third Beetlejuice movie possibly forcing his hand to sign on, leading to him directing another story that he isn’t passionate about.

Beetlejuice 3 should only happens if Tim Burton brings an idea to Warner Bros., with this being the best path forward for the franchise. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice took so long due to Tim Burton waiting until he had a story that he was passionate about, with this being the reason that the sequel turned out to be so good. Since Burton’s passion and creativity is the secret ingredient behind the franchise, it wouldn’t make sense for Warner Bros. to make another sequel if Burton isn’t ready, with this being the most surefire way to tank the series.


What Tim Burton Has Said About Beetlejuice 3

A Third Beetlejuice Movie Is Possible

Although a third Beetlejuice movie hasn’t been officially announced, Tim Burton hasn’t said much about if Beetlejuice 3 will be happening. When Tim Burton and producer Tommy Harper were asked about the potential for a third movie, Harper said that “anything could happen,” although Burton seemed to be less clear. Here are there full comments:

Harper:
“We haven’t talked about where it could go from here, we just talked about making one really good movie. Make it the best you can, and then anything could happen.”


Burton:
“I don’t know. That would make me sound like William Castle or something – ‘the biggest, the greatest, the most fabulous motion picture since Glen or Glenda!’ I hope for the best, really. I just feel good this was done in the spirit and feeling of the original. However the movie does, it was a very good experience for me in that way.”

Betelgeuse actor Michael Keaton has already commented on the possibility of a third Beetlejuice movie, with him being excited to appear in another film. When asked about returning in Beetlejuice 3, Michael Keaton responded by saying ” Oh yeah, I’d do it every year, yeah.” This shows just how enthusiastic Keaton is about returning, with his invovlement in a third movie being just as important as Tim Burton’s.

Could WB Make Beetlejuice 3 Without Tim Burton?

It Is A Scary Possibility


Tim Burton’s involvement in Beetlejuice 3 is incredibly important, with many wondering if Warner Bros. would ever do another sequel without him. It seems unlikely at first, as Warner Bros. waited all these years to make a second Beetlejuice movie. The company could have made a sequel with a new director at any time, so since they already waited nearly four decades, it would only make sense for them to wait for Tim Burton again.

Jeremy and Astrid from Beetlejuice 2

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However, the massive success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice could incentivize Warner Bros. to make a sequel as soon as possible. Having two successful movies solidifies Beetlejuice as a continually profitable franchise, giving the company more reason to push for a third film. Warner Bros. has also undergone new leadership in recent years, and their track record suggests that doing Beetlejuice 3 with or without Burton is possible.


Interestingly, if Warner Bros. does do Beetlejuice 3 without Burton, this wouldn’t be unprecedented. After the success of Tim Burton’s two Batman films, Warner Bros. decided to make Batman Forever without him, moving on to a different director and tone. While there are some factors that make this different, such as Beetlejuice being a franchise created by Burton while Batman was preexisting, this track record could affect the development of Beetlejuice 3.