Tim Burton Reveals Why Baldwin and Davis Aren’t in Beetlejuice Sequel

Tim Burton has clarified why Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis are not part of the much-anticipated sequel to the 1988 classic, Beetlejuice. The new film sees Michael Keaton returning as the mischievous bio-exorcist, tormenting the Deetz family once more. Winona Ryder reprises her role as Lydia, with Catherine O’Hara portraying her mother, Delia.

Despite the return of these key characters, many fans noticed the absence of two original stars. Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis, who played the deceased couple Adam and Barbara Maitland, are not in the sequel. The Maitlands were central to the original film’s plot, learning to cohabitate with the living Deetz family by its conclusion.

In an interview, Tim Burton elaborated on their absence, stating, “I think the thing was for me I didn’t want to just tick any boxes. So even though they were such an amazing integral part of the first one, I was focusing on something else.”

Burton explained that the new film is centered on “three generations of mother, daughter, granddaughter.” He further added, “That [would] be the nucleus of it. I couldn’t have made this personally back in 1989 or whatever.”

The sequel introduces several new characters. Monica Belluci plays Beetlejuice’s wife, Willem Dafoe appears as a sinister character named Wolf Jackson, and Justin Theroux takes on the role of Rory. Missing in action, however, are Adam and Barbara Maitland, which left some fans wondering how the sequel would address their story. Burton noted that the film does explain a “loophole” that allows the couple, who were previously confined to their home, to finally depart.

Earlier this year, Davis confirmed her non-participation in the sequel during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. She remarked, “I‘m not in the remake. Oh, you were expecting that I would be? Yeah, no, you know what? Because my theory is that ghosts don’t age… Not that I have.”

Geena Davis, who won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Thelma & Louise in 1992, also admitted that she had not seen the trailer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. When told the trailer had made some viewers emotional, she expressed curiosity, saying, “Somebody said they were crying, so I have to see the trailer.”

As fans eagerly await the sequel, Burton’s explanation offers insight into the direction of the new film and why some familiar faces are no longer part of the spooky ensemble.

From introducing new characters to focusing on the theme of generational storytelling, the sequel seeks to capture the spirit of the original while charting its own course. This approach leaves room for fresh narrative possibilities, even as it bids farewell to some beloved characters from the past.

Source: People, Entertainment Tonight