"I Didn't Even Watch The First Movie": Tim Burton's Comments On Making Beetlejuice 2 Are Surprising, But The Decision Paid Off

Tim Burton returned to direct Beetlejuice 2 after the movie was in development for decades, but his comments about his approach to making the sequel might come as a shock. It would be difficult to imagine Beetlejuice 2 being made without Burton, as he’s the mastermind behind the 1988 original movie and knows the characters more than anyone. Thankfully, Burton managed to reunite Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara as Beetlejuice 2‘s returning characters. If the filmmaker wanted to capture the same magic as the original, the cast was an important first step.

Even though Adam and Barbara Maitland were among the original characters missing Beetlejuice 2, Burton had plenty to work with regarding the Deetz family, Winter River, and Betelgeuse’s continued presence in the afterlife. Based on the original Beetlejuice‘s ending, it was assumed that Betelgeuse would be brought back into Lydia’s life somehow for another chaotic story blending the world of the living and the Neitherworld. While those who worked on Beetlejuice 2 may have done extensive prep work, including using the first movie as a vital resource, that was not at all the case for Burton.

Tim Burton Admitted He Didn’t Watch The Original Movie Before Making Beetlejuice 2

The Director Didn’t Need To “Study” The Original Movie

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Expectations were incredibly high after the Beetlejuice sequel was officially announced. It may have taken 36 years for Beetlejuice 2 to happen, but that wasn’t for a lack of trying. Tim Burton’s willingness to return to the world of Beetlejuice proved that it had also been on the back of his mind. Therefore, it’s surprising to learn that the filmmaker didn’t rely too heavily on the 1988 original movie when working on the long-awaited sequel. As stated in the director’s commentary, Burton admitted that he “didn’t even watch the first movie” when working on Beetlejuice 2. The comment may come as a shock to many, especially considering Beetlejuice 2 is a direct sequel.

“…the Beetlejuice world Burton built is likely so ingrained in him that he leaned into the foundational aspects of the original before expanding the story in fresh new ways.”

When expanding on his behind-the-scenes approach to Beetlejuice 2, Burton added that he “didn’t think it would help [him]” and instead, he just wanted to make the sequel. The director then explained that there didn’t seem to be a need for him to “go back and study everything,” especially in terms of set design and the more minute details. It’s a little hard to believe that Burton didn’t use the first movie to prepare for the sequel. However, the Beetlejuice world Burton built is likely so ingrained in him that he leaned into the foundational aspects of the original before expanding the story in fresh new ways.

Why Tim Burton’s Approach To Beetlejuice 2 Was The Right Idea

Burton’s Methods Paid Off For The Long-Awaited Sequel

With all legacy sequels, there’s an inherent risk in balancing nostalgia and original ideas. The continued popularity surrounding Beetlejuice and its characters since 1988 justified a need for continuity and nostalgia interweaved into the follow-up entry. Though Beetlejuice 2 featured Easter eggs and references to the original movie, it also succeeded in introducing new creative elements that took Burton’s franchise in intriguing directions. According to Burton, he ensured the vibes felt similar to when making the first movie, but aspects needed to “feel new to [him] and more expanded without over-expanding” before reiterating the importance of balance.

Betelgeuse and Lydia looking at the camera in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

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Based on Beetlejuice 2′s box office success and overwhelmingly positive reviews, the sequel seemed to find that balance, crafting a satisfying follow-up that effectively featured new elements. Not only were there new characters added into the fold, but Burton also made sure to evolve returning figures, especially Lydia and Delia. Even the afterlife location was expanded on in Beetlejuice 2 from the first movie. Burton may not have revisited his original creation in an effort to avoid too much replication, but he still managed to seamlessly deliver a sequel that hit the right notes.

Source: Beetlejuice 2’s director’s commentary (via WB)