Hollywood legend Michael Keaton returns to the screen as the infamous demon Beetlejuice in the upcoming sequel ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.' Paired alongside him is rising star Jenna Ortega, who Keaton effusively praised for her potent acting prowess during their shared time on the set.
Key Takeaways:
* Michael Keaton praises Jenna Ortega's acting skills in the upcoming film ‘Beetlejuice 2.'
* The film, a sequel to the 1988 original, is scheduled for release on September 6, 2024.
* Keaton reprises his role as the mischievous demon Beetlejuice in the film.
* Ortega plays the role of Lydia Deetz's daughter, discovering a portal to the Afterlife in the plot of the sequel.
New Cast, Same Essence
The upcoming ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' promises a gripping blend of the original 1988 film's charm, modernized to captivate today's audience. Written by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, their challenge was to sustain the essence of the beloved film while aligning it with contemporary tastes.
Los Angeles-born actress Jenna Ortega steps into the spotlight as Astrid, daughter of Winona Ryder's character Lydia Deetz. Her character's story arch has her discovering a mysterious model of a town in the family's attic, unknowingly opening a gateway to the Afterlife. There, she meets the mischievous demon Beetlejuice once again, portrayed by the acclaimed Michael Keaton.
Keaton's High Praise for Ortega
In a recent interaction with Entertainment Tonight, Beetlejuice himself, Michael Keaton, had nothing but high praise for Ortega's stellar performance. Recognized for his roles in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “Batman,” Keaton appreciated Ortega's understanding and depiction of her character's tone. In his words, “She's really special,” testament to the young starlet's incredible talents.
First Look at Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Warner Bros. stirred up anticipation following the release of the film's first look images, featuring Keaton's return as the titular character complete with his signature grease-painted face and fright wig. Images also prominently highlighted Ortega alongside the Deetz family. The film enlists a cast comprising other notable actors such as Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, Justin Theroux, and Willem Dafoe.
Keaton's Confidence in Beetlejuice 2
Speaking on The Jess Cagle Show on SiriusXM, Keaton shared his thoughts after viewing the first cut of the film. The actor exuded confidence, proclaiming the sequel “just great.” He added that alongside the film's visually exciting nature, he was pleasantly surprised by its emotional elements.
Ortega shares Keaton's enthusiasm. The young actress spoke of her experience on the Beetlejuice set during an interview at an Emmys red carpet event. Expressing the film's shooting as “some of the most fun she's ever had on a set,” Ortega eagerly anticipates the audience's reaction when the film finally hits the big screens on September 6, 2024.
Keaton and Ortega's mutual appreciation for their roles paints a promising picture for ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice'. The film, a love letter to its 1988 predecessor, is sure to delight fans old and new when it makes its grand premiere next year. Until then, fans can bask in the first look images and watch out for any more intriguing updates on the film that are sure to surface in the coming months.
