Michael Keaton Discusses Jenna Ortega’s Role in New ‘Beetlejuice’ Film

NEW YORK – Michael Keaton is known for not overthinking things, but he has an interesting perspective on his new co-star, Jenna Ortega, in the sequel to the classic “Beetlejuice.” For decades, Keaton and director Tim Burton have contemplated a follow-up to their beloved 1988 horror comedy, but the project never felt right until Burton collaborated with Ortega on the Netflix series “Wednesday” in 2022.

During a gathering at the elegant Essex House, Keaton humorously pointed out to Burton, “She literally didn’t exist” when the original film was made. He expressed how Ortega’s emergence as a talented actress was pivotal, suggesting that if she hadn’t come along, the sequel might never have come to fruition. “We had to wait for you to live,” actress Catherine O’Hara interjected, causing a playful smile from the 21-year-old Ortega.

The reunion of the original “Beetlejuice” cast to discuss the long-awaited sequel, which hits theaters this Friday, felt both like a fun gathering and a therapy session. Keaton recalled stealthily attending one of Burton’s exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art, where he admitted he was afraid to touch anything for fear of breaking a priceless work.

Burton then reflected on the development of Winona Ryder’s character, Lydia Deetz, and her progression from a cool teenager to a troubled adult. “It made the whole movie very personal and emotional,” the director noted, sharing how that journey significantly influenced the sequel.

The core of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” isn’t just the return of Keaton’s mischievous titular character but centers around three generations of the Deetz women. A family tragedy prompts Lydia to connect with her estranged daughter Astrid, played by Ortega, and her quirky stepmother Delia, portrayed by O’Hara. As Lydia re-encounters Beetlejuice amid Afterlife hijinks, she must rediscover the confident goth girl she once was to truly connect with Astrid.

Burton remarked, “I couldn’t have made this movie in 1989. You only know that true life experience after the twists and turns that you take and the emotional baggage that we all collect.”

Ryder, now 52, reminisced about the attic set from the first film, which reappears in the sequel. “I just love it up there. I always pictured Lydia would live up in the attic and be like a happy spinster,” she said. The idea of Lydia as a mother was surprising for Ryder, who previously thought children would be the last thing her character would want.

Ortega echoed that sentiment, noting that Lydia and Astrid initially struggle to connect. “I did not picture her pregnant or even in love. But it was just magic when I met Jenna,” Ryder added, revealing a “sweet” moment that turned tense when she had to call out to her daughter in a scene. “I don’t have kids, so I was like, ‘That feels like too much,’ and (Burton’s) like, ‘Trust me.’”

Amid discussions about emotional growth, Keaton, now 72, humorously insisted that Beetlejuice has matured, even while maintaining his unpredictable nature. “We were always reluctant to show too, too much,” Burton noted. He explained that Beetlejuice remains an eccentric character who needs to retain his enigmatic charm, suggesting that getting to know him detracts from his essence.

O’Hara observed a new vulnerability in Beetlejuice, primarily due to the dynamics with his resurrected ex-wife, Delores. Keaton laughed at the concept, paralleling it with his surprise when Pixar reached out to him to voice Ken in “Toy Story 3.” He playfully mentioned wanting a shirt that declares, “The Original Ken,” thanks to the recent buzz surrounding the “Barbie” movie.

Ortega shared her experience working alongside Keaton and other unique characters in full Beetlejuice mode, claiming it made her job easier. The sense of nostalgia when filming in the same Vermont location used for the first film was palpable. “People were coming up showing me photo albums with Tim’s signature in them,” she recalled.

The enduring popularity of “Beetlejuice” can be partly attributed to its nostalgic appeal. O’Hara pointed out that fans who watched the original film as kids are now sharing those memories with a new generation. Keaton believes the original movie’s inherent oddity is a significant part of its charm. “It’s beautiful and crazy… what are we really tapping into?” he mused.

Keaton concluded with a light chuckle, “By the way, I don’t really analyze these things. There’s just nothing you can compare it to. Ever.”

Source: USA TODAY