Danny DeVito's Unexpected Role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Danny DeVito, the acclaimed actor known for his memorable roles in films like Batman Returns and Hoffa, recently revealed a surprising addition to his filmography: a cameo in the highly anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. This marks DeVito's fifth collaboration with the legendary director Tim Burton, a testament to their enduring creative partnership. The news sent ripples through the entertainment world, igniting curiosity among fans eager to learn more about this unexpected pairing.

DeVito's Cameo: A Surprise for Fans and Cast

DeVito's role, simply credited as “Janitor,” is a brief but memorable one. The secrecy surrounding his involvement was remarkable. The cat was initially let out of the bag, however, when eagle-eyed fans spotted his blue visage in the film's trailer. The production, according to DeVito, tried their best to maintain this secrecy for as long as possible. This mystery only fueled the anticipation, enhancing the surprise of his appearance for audiences worldwide.

Filming Amidst Other Projects

DeVito's involvement came about as he was wrapping up filming for A Sudden Case of Christmas, a holiday comedy he stars in alongside his daughter, Lucy DeVito. He received a call from Burton and happily made his way to London, the film's set, after his previous film's production. His journey from a festive holiday film to the supernatural world of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was a quick one, with DeVito noting that he enjoyed his time on set and his four-day stay with Tim Burton and the cast. The unexpected nature of this collaboration added an intriguing layer to this already-exciting project.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame Celebration and a Star-Studded Reunion

The excitement didn't end there. DeVito had the added pleasure of attending Tim Burton's star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, just a day before the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. This star-studded event included Keaton, Ryder, and Bellucci; the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice cast, all gathering together to celebrate Burton's achievement. It was indeed a memorable event, providing a perfect culmination of celebration and reunion for DeVito and several of his collaborators.

A Personal Touch to the Celebration

DeVito recounted his excitement of attending Burton’s star ceremony, expressing his happiness for Burton and fondly remembering the occasion. He talked about going around with his phone and taking pictures of Burton and Bellucci, remarking about their close proximity on the Walk of Fame. He expressed his pride at the fact that both his and Burton's stars are near to each other on Hollywood Boulevard. The event had a personal touch which made it that much more meaningful for DeVito. The gathering highlighted the enduring bonds forged within the film industry, showcasing camaraderie and shared success.

A Deflated Ending: The Janitor's Fate

(This section contains a spoiler)

DeVito's Janitor is introduced as the first unfortunate victim of Delores (Monica Bellucci), a vengeful soul-sucker. After Delores extracts his soul, the Janitor’s body is left deflated, resembling a lifeless, empty bag. This scene is a testament to the innovative practical special effects used in the film. The visual effects supervisor, Angus Bickerton, provided insight into the scene's creation, explaining how Neal Scanlon's team masterfully used practical effects such as wires, pipes, and even added venting gases and steam to achieve the deflated effect. This scene, which was carefully crafted by Scanlon alongside Tim Burton, stands as a testament to the innovative practical effects employed in the production. The detail of the practical effects showcases the commitment to detail, emphasizing the dedication to crafting a visually striking and memorable scene.

DeVito's Wish

DeVito, jokingly, expressed a desire to acquire the deflated Janitor prop, adding a humorous anecdote to the story of his involvement in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. His humorous remark highlighted not only his easy-going personality but also his fond memories of his collaboration with Burton and the team. The fact that he already has quite a collection from his several prior collaborations with Burton only furthers the ease that one can assume they have in their relationship.

A Legacy of Collaboration: DeVito and Burton's Enduring Partnership

DeVito's cameo in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is not merely a fleeting moment; it's another chapter in the prolific partnership between DeVito and Burton. Their collaborations span decades and diverse genres, each project showcasing their unique creative synergy. From the darkly comedic Batman Returns to the fantastical worlds of Mars Attacks! and Big Fish, their collaborations have resulted in iconic films that have left a lasting mark on cinema. Theirs is a long-standing partnership that reflects a deep mutual respect and understanding, resulting in cinematic masterpieces. Their collaborations continue to captivate audiences and resonate across generations. The future of their collaboration is uncertain, but fans worldwide can be assured that as long as they continue to work together, cinematic magic will follow.

The release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD, along with the availability of A Sudden Case of Christmas on digital streaming and DVD, provides audiences with opportunities to revisit these films and witness the talents of Danny DeVito firsthand.