Beetlejuice 2 is already a highly anticipated legacy sequel, but as well as continuing the original story, the movie can also fix a disappointing trend for Michael Keaton. Since receiving international acclaim for his performance as the titular character in Tim Burton’s 1988 original, Keaton has been recognized as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. After success in the 90s with the likes of Batman, Keaton’s career has encompassed everything from feel-good family capers to hard-hitting award-winning dramas. Despite this, however, he is not immune from the changeable nature of cinema-goers.
Although nothing is guaranteed, excitement is high ahead of Beetlejuice 2‘s release in September 2024. In addition to Keaton, the film features a returning Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz alongside Willem Dafoe. Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega, and Catherine O’Hara round out Beetlejuice 2‘s exciting cast and, while concrete plot points remain shrouded in mystery, the movie promises to expand on the much-loved lore established by the original. All this suggests that the movie has every chance of success – a welcome situation for Keaton who is looking to finally end what has been a commercially disappointing few years.
Tim Burton Just Made The Biggest Beetlejuice 2 Theory Way More Likely
Tim Burton addressing what made him interested in making Beetlejuice 2 after 35 years supports a major character theory for the sequel.
Michael Keaton Hasn’t Had A Box Office Hit Since Spider-Man: Homecoming
Ever since starring as Adrian Toomes in the MCU’s first Spider-Man movie, Michael Keaton has been unable to record a box office hit. Dumbo, his previous 2019 collaboration with Tim Burton, made just $350 million against a $170 million budget, while his much-vaunted return as Batman in The Flash was even more of a critical and commercial flop. Considering that Keaton has featured in several smash hits, including the original Batman movies, this streak is a surprising disappointment.
Unfortunately, this trend has not just been restricted to Keaton’s headline projects. He was also slated to appear in Batgirl before the movie’s total cancelation by the studio, removing another opportunity to restore his box office credentials. To add insult to injury, he has also cameoed in bombs like Morbius, which could have bucked his box office trend. Given these circumstances, it’s even more important for Keaton personally that Beetlejuice 2 proves to be a success.
Beetlejuice 2 Being A Box Office Hit Would Reveal A Wild Reality About Michael Keaton’s Roles
Because of his performances in the Batman movies, many people strongly associate Keaton with heroic, leading man roles. However, despite this generalization, the truth is that Keaton is just as – if not more – adept at playing villains. This hypothesis would be confirmed if Beetlejuice 2 were to succeed.
In addition to The Beetlejuice saga, Keaton has received acclaim for his role as Toomes/The Vulture, providing a perfect foil for Tom Holland’s naïve Spider-Man. Furthermore, he’s also received recognition for his turn as the dastardly Ray Kroc, whose ambition and ruthlessness led to the creation of the McDonald’s Corporation. This reality is somewhat surprising, considering how Keaton first became a household name. However, following a successful Beetlejuice 2 release, Keaton could finally be recognized as a great villainous as well as heroic actor.
Beetlejuice 2
- Release Date
- September 6, 2024
- Director
- Tim Burton
- Cast
- Michael Keaton , Jenna Ortega , Winona Ryder , Monica Bellucci , Willem Dafoe , Justin Theroux , Catherine O’Hara
