Catherine O'Hara has nothing but love for her Beetlejuice costar Michael Keaton.
While speaking to GQ in a new profile about Keaton, 72, published Monday, August 19, O'Hara, 70, couldn't help but gush about the actor ahead of the premiere of the film's sequel, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, next month.
“He brought his energy to Beetlejuice,” O'Hara told the outlet. “So that is Michael — real fast-talking, full of great crazy ideas, and really free. There's a sexiness to him. Which is crazy to say about Beetlejuice!”
Director Tim Burton – who was just 29 years old when he directed the original 1988 film – also praised Keaton for flawlessly stepping back into his role as the titular character.
“It was like a weird family reunion,” Burton, 65, said of filming the Beetlejuice sequel. “Very strange, but the strange part of it is, Michael got back so into it, it was kind of scary in a way. I mean, for somebody who didn't really maybe want to do it, he seemed to channel it very quickly. And so it was quite exciting and surreal.”
In May 2023, it was confirmed that Keaton would bring his iconic horror character back to the big screen in Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice alongside new and original cast members. Newcomers Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux will join Winona Ryder – who reprises her role as Lydia Deetz – alongside O'Hara and Keaton.
While O'Hara, Keaton and Ryder, 52, are some of the most recognized names in the industry, Ortega, 21, has become well-known as a spooky starlet. In addition to starring as Tara Carpenter in Scream 5 and Scream 6, she’s gained critical acclaim for her role as the titular character in Netflix’s Wednesday series. As she took on the task of portraying Wednesday Addams, Ortega gushed to The Hollywood Reporter about her working alongside Burton on the project.
“It’s been quite an insane experience,” she recalled in January 2022. “I’ve been lucky enough to get the opportunity to work with an iconic director who just so happens to be one of the sweetest directors I’ve worked with, and also the most detail-oriented.”
She continued, “To step into the shoes of somebody who’s a bit more eccentric and frightening has been really exciting for me, and definitely a challenge — especially with such a beloved character, I really want to take care of her and do her justice.”
While speaking to Entertainment Tonight about shooting Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice earlier this year, Ortega told the outlet that it was “some of the most fun I've ever had on a set.”
She added, “Visually, so exciting. Everything was practical. I think we're not using very much CGI or something like that at all. Everyone did an incredible job. I felt so lucky to be there, it was insane ... I can't wait for people to see.”
Keaton’s 'Beetlejuice' Return: A Family Reunion
Tim Burton, the director of the original Beetlejuice, described the reunion with Keaton as a “weird family reunion” and expressed his admiration for Keaton's energy. The director recalled that Keaton “seemed to channel it very quickly” and described the experience as “quite exciting and surreal.” Burton also noted that Keaton’s “certain energy” was a key reason he wanted Keaton to star in Batman. Keaton’s talent and ability to embody characters with complex personalities are evident in his work, from his comedic roles in films like Beetlejuice to his more dramatic performances in movies like Birdman.
Jenna Ortega's Praise for Keaton
Jenna Ortega, who plays a new character in the Beetlejuice sequel, shared her admiration for Keaton’s acting abilities, calling him “really special.” Ortega praised Keaton's ability to “immediately know what the tone was and just slipped in like she does every day.” Ortega’s comments highlight Keaton’s dedication to his craft and his ability to effortlessly embody a character's persona. Keaton’s career is a testament to his versatility as an actor, and his portrayal of the iconic character Beetlejuice is sure to delight fans of the original film.
'Beetlejuice 2' Cast and Production
The 'Beetlejuice' sequel will feature a mix of original cast members and newcomers. Alongside O’Hara, Keaton and Ryder, the film will star Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux. The film is directed by Tim Burton, who also directed the original Beetlejuice. The sequel is expected to follow a similar tone to the original film, with a blend of comedy, horror, and fantasy. The cast's enthusiasm for the project suggests that Beetlejuice 2 is shaping up to be a memorable and entertaining film for fans of the original.
Beetlejuice is Back: A Spooky Reunion
The highly anticipated 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' has received positive reviews from the cast and crew, with praise for Keaton’s performance and the film’s overall production. Fans are excited to see the original characters return, and the addition of new cast members like Ortega promises to introduce a fresh dynamic to the film. With its blend of classic elements and new additions, ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ is sure to be a spooky and entertaining experience for audiences. Beetlejuice 2 hits theaters on Friday, September 6.
