Tim Burton’s long-awaited sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” just had an amazing opening weekend raking in $110 million dollars at the box office during its first weekend, marking a huge comeback for the “Beetlejuice” franchise.
This impressive opening places it among the highest-grossing Tim Burton films to date, outpacing the initial expectations for its debut. The strong performance signals not only the enduring appeal of the beloved 1988 original but also the wide appeal of the sequel, which introduces new characters while retaining the quirky charm and spookiness that made the first film a cult favorite. With a marketing push targeting both nostalgic fans and younger audiences through its inclusion of stars like Jenna Ortega, the movie’s opening weekend figures set the stage for a very successful box office run.
The plot of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” picks up years after the events of the original film. Michael Keaton returns as the mischievous, chaotic ghost Beetlejuice, summoned once again by Lydia Deetz, played by every GenXer’s favorite Winona Ryder. This time, however, the focus expands to include Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, played by Generation Z actress Jenna Ortega. Lydia is now a single mother, and the film explores the dynamics between three generations of Deetz women: Lydia, her daughter, and her eccentric mother Delia, once again portrayed by Catherine O’Hara. Beetlejuice’s re-emergence disrupts the family, creating a blend of supernatural chaos and heartfelt family moments. New characters, including Beetlejuice’s ex-wife, played by Persephone, I mean Monica Bellucci, and a ghostly police officer, played by Willem Dafoe, who needs no further introduction. Tim Burton’s signature blend of eerie visuals, dark humor, and bizarre characters delivers a compelling mix that has drawn both old fans and newcomers.
To understand the cultural impact of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, it’s crucial to look back at the original “Beetlejuice” from 1988. Directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Alec Baldwin, the film was a dark comedy that broke new ground with its quirky, gothic aesthetic and offbeat humor. The story followed a recently deceased couple who, after dying in a car accident, enlist Beetlejuice to help them scare away the new occupants of their home. Michael Keaton’s portrayal of the ghost with the most—complete with his manic energy and irreverent antics—became iconic, and the film was a box office success, earning $73 million globally on a $15 million budget. It also won an Academy Award for Best Makeup, thanks to its unique visual effects and elaborate, whimsical designs. The movie’s success cemented Tim Burton’s status as a director with a distinct style and vision, and “Beetlejuice” became a fan favorite, spawning a Broadway musical, animated series, and endless Halloween costumes.
Looking ahead, financial projections for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” are incredibly optimistic. Given its strong opening weekend and the fact that it faces little competition in the coming weeks, analysts believe the film could easily surpass $350 million domestically by the end of its theatrical run. Internationally, it is expected to perform even better, with some estimates suggesting it could bring in over $700 million globally, for an estimated $1.1 billion dollars worldwide, at least by my estimate, for whatever that’s worth.
The film’s appeal spans multiple demographics: younger viewers are drawn in by Jenna Ortega’s rising star power following her success in the Netflix show “Wednesday”, while older audiences are eager to revisit a beloved classic. With Halloween season on the horizon, the film’s spooky-but-fun vibe is expected to drive sustained ticket sales throughout October. If the film continues on this trajectory, it could become one of Tim Burton’s highest-grossing movies, potentially surpassing the $1 billion mark in global earnings.
The broader success of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” could also lead to further expansion of the “Beetlejuice” universe. While no direct sequels or spin-offs have been announced yet, the film’s strong opening and anticipated financial success may encourage studios to explore additional projects within the franchise. Moreover, the renewed interest in “Beetlejuice” is likely to boost sales of the original film’s merchandise, its Broadway adaptation, and even home video and streaming sales of the 1988 movie. As the box office figures continue to climb, Tim Burton’s signature style remains as relevant and beloved as ever, proving that “Beetlejuice”, even after more than three decades, still has plenty of life – or rather, afterlife – left in it.
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,’ Tim Burton’s long-awaited sequel, opens at a ‘stellar’ $110 million