Winona Ryder’s Secret Meeting with Tim Burton Helped Greenlight ‘Beetlejuice 2’

Winona Ryder has long been advocating for a sequel to the cult classic “Beetlejuice,” a pursuit she’s been discreetly passionate about for decades, frequently meeting with the film’s iconic director, Tim Burton, to discuss the possibilities.

Both Ryder and Burton have been quietly developing ideas for a follow-up film, unbeknownst to many, even Ryder’s agents. The perseverance has paid off as, over 40 years after the original 1988 horror-comedy hit, the sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is now in the works, reuniting Ryder and Michael Keaton in their original roles.

“There were numerous times my agents were unaware that I was meeting with him,” Ryder remarked, referencing her clandestine discussions with Burton. Harper’s Bazaar noted that Ryder and Burton remained in contact through the years, often meeting secretly to chat about a second chapter for “Beetlejuice.”

Burton mentioned that over the years, various sequel concepts were explored. Titles such as “Beetlejuice Goes to Outer Space” and other imaginative scenarios came up, yet none stuck. He admitted, “I never really understood why it was popular. Back then, sequels weren’t frequently talked about.”

Reflecting on his collaboration with Ryder for the original film, Burton said, “When I met Winona, she reminded me of how I felt as a teenager. She has this unique ability to convey so much with just her eyes. There’s a soul coming out without the need for dialogue. It’s why you make movies.”

In the original “Beetlejuice,” Ryder portrayed the character Lydia Deetz, an angsty teenage girl haunted by Keaton’s mischievous ghoul. Keaton praised Burton’s casting abilities, highlighting how Burton consistently chooses the perfect actors for his films, Ryder included. “Tim’s a terrific caster,” Keaton said. “He doesn’t always get credit for that, but his casting choices are always spot on, including Winona.”

Jenna Ortega, a new face in the franchise and star of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” acknowledged Ryder’s support during her rise to fame from Burton’s “Wednesday” series. Ortega shared, “She definitely helped me feel less alone. It’s a very isolating and scary experience, and Winona’s support was incredibly comforting. I can’t thank her enough for that.” Ryder is known for her supportive nature, notably towards her “Stranger Things” teen co-stars.

The decision to officially greenlight “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” wasn’t without its challenges. Both Keaton and Burton were hesitant to dive back into the beloved franchise, as Keaton revealed to People magazine. Keaton admitted they were both “hesitant and cautious” about revisiting the film. “We thought, you got to get this right. Otherwise, just don’t do it. Let’s just go on with our lives and do other things,” Keaton shared. “So I was hesitant and cautious, and he was probably equally as hesitant and cautious over all these years. Once we decided to go for it, I said, ‘Let’s just see if we can pull this off.’ It ended up being the most fun I’ve had on set in a long time.”

The journey to bring “Beetlejuice” back to the silver screen has been one filled with secrecy, determination, and a deep love for the story and characters that have become iconic over the years. Fans can now look forward to seeing the magical, quirky world of “Beetlejuice” come alive once again, with Ryder and Keaton delivering the same captivating performances that first enchanted audiences decades ago.

Source: Harper’s Bazaar, People