The long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton's 1988 dark fantasy Beetlejuice is finally coming to streaming. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Beetlejuice 2), featuring the return of Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara, as well as newcomer Jenna Ortega, will begin streaming on Max in the US on December 6, 2024.
In the UK, the film will be available on Sky, though a specific release date has not been announced. For those who can't wait, Beetlejuice 2 is already available for purchase or rental on platforms like Prime Video, iTunes, and the Microsoft Store.
Picking up decades after the original, the sequel follows Lydia Deetz (Ryder) and her daughter Astrid (Ortega) as they navigate life in Winter River after a family tragedy. As the mischievous Betelgeuse (Keaton) returns to wreak havoc, the family faces new challenges when Astrid uncovers a mysterious portal to the afterlife.
The ensemble cast includes notable names such as Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, and Danny DeVito, among others. The film has been received positively by critics, earning a 76% score on Rotten Tomatoes and praise for staying true to the original's quirky charm.
“Michael Keaton's devious poltergeist still has plenty of juice left,” reads one review, “bringing Tim Burton back to his gothic roots with a mix of practical effects and ghoulish humor.”
For fans of the original film, Beetlejuice 2 is an exciting continuation of a beloved classic. It also introduces the franchise to a new generation, with Ortega's performance as Astrid standing out as a highlight.
What are your thoughts on Beetlejuice 2? Do you think it will live up to the original, or should it have been left untouched?
