We've been hearing a lot of rumors on a potential sequel to Tim Burton's BEETLEJUICE over the past couple of years (read up on 'em HERE), from Michael Keaton and Tim Burton returning to star and direct, respectively, to who is working on the script. And while BEETLEJUICE remains a popular film thanks to a new generation of viewers discovering it 27 years after its release, you almost have to question whether or not we really need a sequel now. Still, it seems that it's very much in the works and now Burton and Keaton have both spoken about the project.
Burton spoke with Shock Till You Drop and shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating that it's 'closer than ever'. Says Burton…
“It’s a character that I love and I miss and I miss actually working with Michael. There’s only one Betelgeuse. We’re working on a script and I think it’s probably closer than ever and I’d love to work with him again.”
Keaton shares the sentiment, as he's been in contact with Burton about BEETLEJUICE 2, but speaking with Deadline recently Keaton sounds as if he's unsure if or when it'll actually happen. Says Keaton…
“Tim Burton and I have emailed about it. We’re both in the same situation (of always being busy on other projects). Neither one of us gets tired of the conversation… Tim says he’s working on something, then goes away for a while. At some point, someone is going to say we really want to do it. You don’t want to fuck it up, so it has to be perfect.”
So yes, the project could certainly be 'closer than ever', but with Burton and Keaton busy with other projects you have to question how much longer the conversation can take place before it's decided whether or not to move forward with it. And yes, Keaton is dead on…it really should be perfect, otherwise don't even bother with it.
Here's hoping that Burton is right and we'll hear an announcement soon enough!