Winona Ryder reveals how ‘bond’ with Jenna Ortega helped Beetlejuice return

As a movie critic with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that revisiting the world of Beetlejuice after such a long hiatus feels like reuniting with an old friend who’s had a few life changes but still retains that irresistible charm.

36 years after the initial movie hit the screens, I, as a die-hard movie enthusiast, am thrilled to share that Tim Burton is bringing back Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder for the much-anticipated sequel to Beetlejuice!

In the latest movie, Lydia is portrayed as both a mother and a television figure – roles that Ryder previously thought were unlikely for her character.

In a conversation with SlashFilm, she expressed: “I hadn’t envisioned Lydia having kids or being in a relationship at all. I always imagined she’d grow older, perhaps isolated in her own world, contentedly living alone in the attic.”

As a passionate film enthusiast, I must admit that when I first heard about Lydia’s foray into television, it was quite challenging for me to visualize. However, the exceptional talent of the ensemble cast, particularly Jenna Ortega, has managed to sway my initial skepticism and make the concept more palatable.

She clarified: “After we arrived and Jenna and I connected, and when Justin [Theroux] joined us, it’s as if everyone around my age can relate – a moment when one often wonders, ‘What on earth was I doing with this relationship?'”

Yet, it’s uncertain if young Lydia had anticipated finding herself in the spotlight, as she might not have envisioned being before a camera.

In addition to Keaton, Ryder, Ortega, and Theroux, the movie also features Catherine O’Hara returning as Delia Deetz, along with Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, and Burn Gorman from Torchwood.

“In the movie, it’s revealed that Beetlejuice has returned! The Deetz family, who are grieving from a sudden loss, move back to Winter River. However, their tranquility is shattered when Beetlejuice haunts them again. Lydia’s rebellious daughter, Astrid, finds an old model of the town in the attic and accidentally opens a gateway to the Afterlife, causing more chaos in Lydia’s life.”

Trouble is simmering in two worlds, and sooner or later, someone might accidentally summon the tricky spirit, Beetlejuice, by uttering his name thrice. This will likely bring about chaos, as he’s known for causing his unique kind of mischief.

Ortega is set to return to her character in the upcoming second season of the popular Addams Family Netflix show, Wednesday, a production by Tim Burton as well.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is in cinemas from Friday 6th September 2024.

2024-08-26 13:33

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