After the success ofBeetlejuice Beetlejuice,Beetlejuice 3needs to happen, but it risks repeating a major $1 billion Tim Burton disappointment from 14 years ago. Although a sequel to the originalBeetlejuicewas being asked for for years, it only now happened in 2024, with many of the fans of the original knowing that Tim Burton had to return for a sequel in order for it to be good. Luckily,Beetlejuice Beetlejuicemanaged to be a worthy successor to the original thanks to Tim Burton’s involvement, which is an essential ingredient fora potentialBeetlejuice 3.
Although it took nearly four decades,Beetlejuice Beetlejuicemanaged to expand the world, themes, and tone of Tim Burton’s original movie, which is why it works so well as a legacy sequel. Rather than relying on nostalgia baiting the audience,Beetlejuice Beetlejuicetells a new story with new elements, taking the original movie and making it even bigger. The introduction of new elements to the world ofBeetlejuicemeans that there is potential forBeetlejuice 3to push things even further, bringing back Michael Keaton for another afterlife adventure - but Tim Burton has to return too.
Why Beetlejuice 3 Could Happen
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Was Such A Big Success
Beetlejuice Beetlejuicewas a massive box office success, with the film being a hit in theaters and on streaming. Due to the sequel being this successful nearly 40 years after the release of the originalBeetlejuice, a thirdBeetlejuicemovie seems likely, with the film having made$450 million on a budget of $100 million. Warner Bros. obviously would want to capitalize on the potential of a successful franchise likeBeetlejuice, meaning that it would be shocking if they don’t greenlight anotherBeetlejuicesequel soon.
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Beetlejuice’s sequel potential after the success ofBeetlejuice Beetlejuiceis massive, with there being all kinds of stories that can be told within the world ofBeetlejuice.Beetlejuice Beetlejuiceintroduces several storylines that could be explored in a third movie, such asLydia Deetz’s missing mom, the future of Astrid Deetz, and the entire concept of soul swapping. There have already been all kinds of talks about a thirdBeetlejuicemovie, with Tim Burton, the cast ofBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, and more hinting that another film could happen.
Beetlejuice 3 Has To Happen For The Right Reasons To Avoid Past Tim Burton Mistakes
It Needs To Be Another Tim Burton Passion Project
IfBeetlejuice 3only happens because the studio wants it to happen, then this will be a major mistake that could lead to the continuation of a Tim Burton trend. Although Tim Burton was an acclaimed director up through the early 2000s, he soon became a gun-for-hire director, with him having to direct all kinds of franchise films that he didn’t particularly care about. This led to the era oflive-action Disney remakes likeAlice in WonderlandandDumbo, with this being considered the darkest point in his career.
These films lack the passion and creativity of Tim Burton, with it almost seeming like he went on autopilot. If Warner Bros. decides to doBeetlejuice 3with or without Tim Burton’s involvement, Burton would likely sign on, asBeetlejuiceis one of his most personal projects. Burton most likely wouldn’t want to see another director taking over his franchise, with the announcement of a thirdBeetlejuicemovie possibly forcing his hand to sign on, leading to him directing another story that he isn’t passionate about.
Beetlejuice 3should only happens if Tim Burton brings an idea to Warner Bros., with this being the best path forward for the franchise.Beetlejuice Beetlejuicetook so long due to Tim Burton waiting until he had a story that he was passionate about, with this being the reason that the sequel turned out to be so good. Since Burton’s passion and creativity is the secret ingredient behind the franchise, it wouldn’t make sense for Warner Bros. to make another sequel if Burton isn’t ready, with this being the most surefire way to tank the series.
What Tim Burton Has Said About Beetlejuice 3
A Third Beetlejuice Movie Is Possible
Although a thirdBeetlejuicemovie hasn’t been officially announced,Tim Burton hasn’t said much about ifBeetlejuice 3will be happening. When Tim Burton and producer Tommy Harper were asked about the potential for a third movie, Harper said that “anything could happen,” although Burton seemed to be less clear. Here are there full comments:
Harper:“We haven’t talked about where it could go from here, we just talked about making one really good movie. Make it the best you can, and then anything could happen.”
Burton:“I don’t know. That would make me sound like William Castle or something – ‘the biggest, the greatest, the most fabulous motion picture since Glen or Glenda!’ I hope for the best, really. I just feel good this was done in the spirit and feeling of the original. However the movie does, it was a very good experience for me in that way.”
Betelgeuse actor Michael Keaton has already commented on the possibility of a thirdBeetlejuicemovie, with him being excited to appear in another film. When asked aboutreturning inBeetlejuice 3, Michael Keatonresponded by saying"Oh yeah, I’d do it every year, yeah.“This shows just how enthusiastic Keaton is about returning, with his invovlement in a third movie being just as important as Tim Burton’s.
Could WB Make Beetlejuice 3 Without Tim Burton?
It Is A Scary Possibility
Tim Burton’s involvement inBeetlejuice 3is incredibly important, with many wondering if Warner Bros. would ever do another sequel without him. It seems unlikely at first, as Warner Bros. waited all these years to make a secondBeetlejuicemovie. The company could have made a sequel with a new director at any time, so since they already waited nearly four decades, it would only make sense for them to wait for Tim Burton again.
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However, the massive success ofBeetlejuice Beetlejuicecould incentivize Warner Bros. to make a sequel as soon as possible. Having two successful movies solidifiesBeetlejuiceas a continually profitable franchise, giving the company more reason to push for a third film. Warner Bros. has also undergone new leadership in recent years, and their track record suggests that doingBeetlejuice 3with or without Burton is possible.
Interestingly, if Warner Bros. does doBeetlejuice 3without Burton, this wouldn’t be unprecedented. After the success of Tim Burton’s twoBatmanfilms,Warner Bros. decided to makeBatman Foreverwithout him, moving on to a different director and tone. While there are some factors that make this different, such asBeetlejuicebeing a franchise created by Burton whileBatmanwas preexisting, this track record could affect the development ofBeetlejuice 3.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Cast
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the sequel to the original Tim Burton classic that starred Michael Keaton and Wynona Rider in a horror-comedy that involved ghosts trying to scare off new homebuyers from taking their house. The sequel brings back Michael Keaton as the hilarious and sleazy ghost with selfish intentions, now joined by Jenna Ortega in a new role.
