Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Nearly Went Straight to Streaming: “The Movie Almost Died”

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Nearly Went Straight to Streaming: "The Movie Almost Died"

As a long-time fan of Tim Burton’s whimsical and enchanting world, it’s safe to say that the release of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” has been nothing short of a delightful return to form for the visionary director. The film’s stunning box office performance is a testament to its timeless appeal and the enduring charm of its characters, brought to life once again by an exceptional cast.


Michael Keaton’s highly anticipated Ghost with the Most sequel to Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton in 1988, has been a box office success. Since its release on September 6th by Warner Bros., it has grossed an impressive $264 million worldwide. Starring Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Willem Dafoe, and Jenna Ortega, this film held the top spot for two weeks in a row. It had the second largest September opening (surpassed only by 2017’s R-rated It), earning $111 million domestically, and it also had the second-best second weekend for the month (with approximately $51 million, falling just behind It’s $60.1 million).

After a series of underperforming films this summer like “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” ($172M), “The Watchers” ($33M), and “Horizon: An America Saga – Chapter 1” ($35.5M) according to The New York Times, the success of the latest release is a welcome relief for Warner Bros., a studio that had been considering sending “Beetlejuice 2” directly to streaming before it was officially given the green light by the new management team, comprising Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, who took over in 2022.

Abdy pointed out that a streaming-only release wouldn’t suit Tim, as he is a visionary artist whose works are best experienced on a large screen.

Reportedly, Burton clashed with the studio concerning costs and distribution, as Warner Bros. expressed apprehension about investing an estimated $147 million on a sequel to a film that was 36 years old, with a director who hadn’t achieved box-office success since Disney’s live-action Alice in Wonderland in 2010. In the end, Warner Bros. consented to a significant theatrical release only if the budget fell below $100 million; the film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was made for approximately $99 million, as stated by The New York Times.

Burton, together with Keaton, Ryder, O’Hara, and Ortega, decided to accept a smaller initial payment, aiming for a bigger share of the profits later on. With tax benefits contributing significantly, the budget was managed to be slightly below $100 million. As reported by The Times, Mike Simpson, Burton’s representative, mentioned that prior to filming, there were two months where it seemed like the project was on the verge of being cancelled every day.

As a die-hard fan, I’m thrilled to see Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, adding a burst of energy to the Afterlife! By this weekend, its box office earnings are expected to surpass $250 million, and by the end of Halloween season, it’s predicted to reach beyond $300 million globally. What a spectacle!

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2024-09-16 03:09