Seth Grahame-Smith sets Beetlejuice 2 in present day, says less is more

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Rumblings of a BEETLEJUICE 2 have been felt for years now but the latest word from Tim Burton and Michael Keaton seem to suggest that something might actually be happening. It's been reported that writer Seth Grahame-Smith (DARK SHADOWS, ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER) would be tackling script duties on the sequel and while the man hasn't had much critical success regarding his screenplays, his novels for "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" and "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" display an effective blend of dark humor and horror that make him the perfect partner regarding a follow-up to one of Michael Keaton's most beloved characters. More recently he spoke with The Hollywood Reporter regarding his upcoming projects and did say that the follow-up would take place in the present day. More importantly, Michael Keaton suggested that he take a "less is more" approach with his character. For those of you expecting Beetlejuice front and center in the story, you may be disappointed.

Despite Beetlejuice being the most memorable character of that film, he doesn't appear until the halfway point and is only present for 17 minutes of screentime. The story was really about Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis), with the presence of Beetlejuice permeating almost every scene. I'm more than content if they apply this approach for the sequel, although that begs the question of who the story will actually focus on. It's no secret that Burton is seeking Winona Ryder to return so it's possible she would be the main focus of BEETLEJUICE 2. In any event, I hope they expand on the themes of the original and not just retread the same tale of the newly dead looking to spook the living.

Let's just thank the Gods we're NOT getting this.