Michael Keaton in 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.' Warner Bros.
Tim Burton's long-awaited sequel, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," is gearing up for a remarkable debut at the box office this September. The film, produced by Warner Bros., is projected to earn between $100 million and $110 million in its domestic opening, according to early tracking data and ticket sales. Warner Bros. itself is being cautious, predicting an opening of over $80 million.
If the projections hold true, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" could secure the second-best September opening ever. The current record is held by "It," which made $123 million in September 2017. The 2019 sequel, "It Chapter Two," currently holds the second spot with $91.1 million, while Marvel's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" opened to $75.4 million during the pandemic in 2021. Other September openings typically fall into the mid-$50 million range.
The sequel's success will build on the legacy of the original 1988 film, which remains a beloved cult classic. The first "Beetlejuice" earned $74 million during its initial run, a figure that translates to over $195 million today when adjusted for inflation.
The new film sees the return of Michael Keaton as the mischievous ghost Beetlejuice, alongside Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara, who reprise their roles from the original. New additions to the cast include Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, and Willem Dafoe.
In the sequel, Lydia Deetz (Ryder) and her family come back to their home after a tragic event, only to discover that her daughter, Astrid (Ortega), has accidentally opened a portal to the afterlife. The teaser trailer features Keaton's iconic line, "The juice is loose," hinting at the familiar mix of humour and spookiness that defined the first film.
The film has already made waves with its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it has garnered a positive reception. Critics have praised Burton for reviving the playful spirit of his classic film, with THR chief film critic David Rooney noting Keaton and Ryder’s performances as a highlight. The film currently holds a fresh score of 79 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
Directed by Tim Burton, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" is based on a script by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, who are known for their work on the "Wednesday" series, with Seth Grahame-Smith contributing to the story.
