While Beetlejuice is cherished for its unique characters and unmistakable ‘80s vibe, Michael Keaton, who created the character Betelgeuse, did so out of a passion for the creative process rather than an aspiration to generate a repeated caricature like those on Saturday Night Live. Betelgeuse may be comically repulsive—he’s essentially a chaotic ghostly force—and through this character, Keaton anomalously became a Halloween sensation. It was a mixed experience for him, especially during the production of the much-anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, set to release on September 6th.
Confronting the extensive variety of Betelgeuse merchandise, Keaton shared with Empire magazine in a recent profile about the new film, “I had to go back to the origins, to my own initially peculiar and imaginative thought process in developing the character, as opposed to being surrounded by merchandise like coffee mugs and golf club covers displaying Betelgeuse’s likeness.” He expressed that moving beyond the public’s notion of Betelgeuse was downright bizarre. Keaton frankly stated that the sheer amount of merchandised items was rather unsettling, driving him to contemplate what sparked the character’s creation in the first place.
It’s possible that Keaton’s hesitance to embark on a sequel stemmed from the over-commercialization of the Beetlejuice universe. According to Tim Burton, Keaton wasn’t particularly keen on a follow-up unless it felt genuinely right. Fortunately, the forthcoming sequel rekindled not only Burton’s passion for filmmaking but also Keaton’s interest in the role, as he effortlessly dove back into the character. Burton described this revitalization to Entertainment Weekly, likening Keaton’s return to a form of “demon possession.”
Keaton now enthusiastically advocates for the sequel which features talents like Winona Rider, Catherine O’Hara, and Jenna Ortega. In his dialogue with Empire, he proudly stated, “I absolutely love this thing. I don’t typically speak this way, but I unabashedly support how we executed the film to such a degree, not an easy feat by any stretch.”
FAQs About Beetlejuice and Michael Keaton’s Views on Merchandising
- Why did Michael Keaton find Beetlejuice merchandise off-putting?
- Michael Keaton found the extensive merchandising of Beetlejuice off-putting because it overshadowed the original, creative process and personal connection he had with developing the character of Betelgeuse.
- When is the sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, set to release?
- The sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, is set to premiere on September 6.
- What was Tim Burton’s take on Keaton’s return to the role of Betelgeuse?
- Tim Burton was reenergized by the sequel’s “back-to-basics, handmade quality,” and he found it beautiful to watch Michael Keaton effortlessly return to his role as Betelgeuse, like witnessing “demon possession.”
- Which actors are starring alongside Michael Keaton in the Beetlejuice sequel?
- Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and Jenna Ortega are among the actors starring alongside Michael Keaton in the sequel.
- What feelings does Michael Keaton have about the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel?
- Michael Keaton feels an unabashed love for the upcoming sequel, expressing great pride and enthusiasm for the way it turned out.