Michael Keaton praises the “fun” set of “Beetlejuice 2,” highlighting its handmade nature and minimal use of technology
Michael Keaton Teases “Beetlejuice” Sequel: A Handmade Blast from the Past
Michael Keaton said he’s been having a blast working on the “Beetlejuice” sequel and that, as promised, it’s not going to be filled with CGI-heavy special effects.
“It’s the most fun I’ve had on a set in a long time. On one hand, you’d go, ‘Well, of course it’s the most fun. It looks like fun.’ As you know, it doesn’t always work like that,” the 72-year-old actor told People about working with director Tim Burton again.
“The one thing that [Burton] and I decided on early, early, early on from the beginning, if we ever did it again, I was totally not interested in doing something where there was too much technology. It had to feel handmade. It’s the most exciting thing. When you get to do that again after years of standing in front of a giant screen, pretending somebody’s across the way from you, this is just enormous fun,” he added.
The actor, who plays the titular character in both the original and the sequel, stressed that the realness of the movie is what makes it great.
“What made it fun was watching somebody in the corner actually holding something up for you, to watch everybody in the shrunken head room and say, ‘Those are people under there, operating these things, trying to get it right,’” Keaton said.
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He told the outlet that they’d tossed around the idea of doing a sequel to the 1988 fantasy horror comedy many times, but it never worked out until now.
“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 said. “So I was hesitant and cautious, and he was probably equally as hesitant and cautious over all these years. Once we got there, I said, ‘OK, let’s just go for it. Let’s just see if we can do it, if we can pull this off.’”
The sequel, called “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” is scheduled to hit theaters on September 6, 2024.
How does the commitment to practical effects in the “Beetlejuice” sequel set it apart in an era dominated by CGI-filled blockbusters?
Is that we didn’t want to rely heavily on CGI. We wanted to go back to that handmade feel of the original ‘Beetlejuice,’ and I think that’s what makes it so special,” Keaton added.
“Beetlejuice,” released in 1988, was directed by Tim Burton and starred Michael Keaton in the titular role. The film quickly became a cult classic, known for its dark humor and unique visual style. The sequel has been in development for several years, with Keaton recently confirming his return to the role.
In an era dominated by superhero blockbusters and CGI-filled spectacles, Keaton’s comments about embracing the handmade feel of the original film are refreshing. It’s a reminder of the charm that practical effects and physical sets can bring to a movie, and it’s a testament to the artistic vision that Burton and Keaton share.
This commitment to practical effects is also a nod to the fans who have been eagerly anticipating the sequel. The original “Beetlejuice” was beloved for its unique visual style, which blended gothic elements with vibrant colors and surreal imagery. By avoiding heavy reliance on CGI, the sequel has the potential to capture that same visual magic and transport audiences back to the haunting world of “Beetlejuice.”
Keaton’s enthusiasm for the project is evident in his statements. He speaks of the joy he finds in working on set and the collaborative relationship he shares with Burton. Their shared vision for a handmade, nostalgia-filled sequel is palpable, and it raises anticipation for the film among fans and critics alike.
The return of Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice is undoubtedly one of the most exciting aspects of the upcoming sequel. His portrayal of the mischievous and unpredictable ghost is iconic, and fans have been eagerly waiting to see him reprise the role. With Keaton’s reassurance that the sequel stays true to the original’s spirit, it’s clear that he is fully committed to delivering a memorable performance.
As the launch date for the “Beetlejuice” sequel approaches, audiences can look forward to experiencing a blast from the past. The handmade feel of the original film, combined with the return of Michael Keaton and Tim Burton’s collaboration, promises to deliver a unique and nostalgic cinematic experience. So, buckle up and get ready to face the mischievous ghost once again.
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