The long-awaited Beetlejuice 2 is aiming to cast Wednesday actress Jenna Ortega in a key role. A sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 blockbuster has gone through multiple iterations, with the most current iteration fueling development reports in early 2022. Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, who played Beetlejuice and Lydia in the original film, were anticipated to reprise their roles. During 2022, however, Beetlejuice 2 made little progress.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ortega is in talks for a key part in Beetlejuice 2. While nothing is definite yet, a potential production start date of late May or early June is planned, depending on the budget. Ortega is expected to portray Ryder’s daughter if she is cast. Both Keaton and Burton are anticipated to return for Beetlejuice 2.
If Ortega is cast in Beetlejuice 2, it will be the latest remarkable title to add to the young star’s portfolio. Ortega is now riding a wave of critical acclaim thanks to her appearances as the lead in Netflix’s Wednesday (which Burton also directed) and one of the last girls in 2022’s Scream. She also appears in the upcoming film Scream VI. Her Wednesday cooperation with Burton appears to have paved the way for her prospective Beetlejuice 2 role, however, it’s worth noting that she already appears well-suited for the role of Lydia’s daughter.
The plot of Beetlejuice 2 is currently unknown. The sequel’s initial plan, back in the early 1990s, was to transport Keaton’s demonic “bio-exorcist” to Hawaii. It remains to be seen if that concept will be included in the new picture. So far, it appears like Beetlejuice 2 will focus on the next generation; perhaps Lydia’s daughter accidentally – or purposely – summons Beetlejuice for assistance, as her mother did years before.
With Beetlejuice 2 hoping to add Ortega to its cast, the sequel is closer than ever to becoming a reality. There is still a potential that Ortega’s contract may go through, or that cost constraints would cause the picture to be delayed. But, if production hopes to begin within the next few months, this means Burton has a script in hand and is ready to bring Beetlejuice’s second act to life.