Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 9, 2024 7:24 am GMT
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” Soars to $110 Million Debut, Thrills Audiences with Nostalgia and New Blood
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic, has made a dramatic return to the big screen, raking in an estimated $110 million during its opening weekend in the United States. The performance marks the second-highest opening in September history, trailing only behind the 2017 hit “It,” which debuted with $123 million.
Spectacular Opening Weekend
The film not only captivated audiences of all ages but also reignited enthusiasm for moviegoing after a challenging period for theaters. According to Comscore, the “stellar domestic opening” has been attributed to its appeal across generations. Families dressed up for screenings, creating an event-like atmosphere that harked back to the original film’s quirky charm.
“The generation-spanning audiences for the new ‘Beetlejuice’ saw kids and adults dressing up for showings,” said the official publication of the National Association of Theatre Owners. “It is that rare sequel that felt like a continuation and not a remake of the original, while still giving audiences what they wanted.”
A Look at the All-Star Cast
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” features a star-studded cast including Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder, and Michael Keaton reprising his iconic role. This casting choice has been highlighted as a major draw, particularly Ortega’s presence, which is proving vital in attracting younger viewers. According to Boxoffice Pro, Ortega, who portrays Astrid, the daughter of Ryder’s character Lydia Deetz, is emerging as Tim Burton’s new muse, reminiscent of Johnny Depp’s connection to the director.
Interestingly, Jenna Ortega was born nearly 15 years after the original “Beetlejuice” was released. Her deep connection to the franchise only developed later, as she stated, “I didn’t see the original film until I was about 9 years old.” The timing of her casting aligns with a broader trend in Hollywood, where legacy narratives are becoming increasingly popular for reviving interest in classic films.
The Long Wait for a Sequel
The delay in producing a sequel has been notable, with original cast members such as Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis opting not to return for this installment. Catherine O’Hara, reprising her role as Delia Deetz, provided a humorous glimpse into why the sequel took so long to materialize. “Jenna had to be born, become an actress, and work with Tim before the sequel could click,” O’Hara commented in a recent interview with CNN.
Ortega landed the role after working with Burton on the second season of Netflix’s “Wednesday,” a series imbued with dark comedy akin to the “Beetlejuice” aesthetic. This collaboration seems to have forged a strong creative partnership between the actress and the filmmaker.
Global Impact and Reception
Internationally, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” also performed well, grossing an estimated $145.4 million worldwide over the opening weekend. Such success underscores the enduring popularity of the “Beetlejuice” franchise as well as Tim Burton’s unique storytelling style that combines the macabre with humor.
As the film continues to be screened in theaters across the globe, it will be closely watched to see if it can maintain momentum in the coming weeks. Given the strong opening, many industry analysts and fans alike are optimistic that “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” will continue to draw audiences, further solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.
The Future of Franchises
With the successful launch of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” it raises questions about the future of sequels and franchises in Hollywood. Audiences seem to be hungry for both nostalgia and fresh takes on beloved characters. As the film industry continues to navigate the complexities of modern storytelling, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” may serve as a blueprint for future projects looking to balance tradition with innovation.
We don’t know exactly how the story of this sequel will go, but it’s doing really well at the box office. This shows that Tim Burton is great at mixing things we know with surprising twists. Because of this, both fans who loved the first movie and new viewers will want to see it again and again.
