On a recent episode of the ‘Let’s Talk Off Camera With Kelly Ripa’ podcast, Catherine O’Hara revealed details about reprising her role as Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s sequel, ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.’ She mentioned that the director is keen on reintroducing Harry Belafonte’s ‘Day-O’ in the sequel to help recapture the vibe of the first movie:
“When [Tim] did the first ‘Beetlejuice,’ I think they wouldn’t even release it until they saw how [‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’] did. That was his first… He was a newcomer. He was a beginner. He was just starting out, and he didn’t have all that pressure on him that he now has. He wasn’t the Tim Burton that we all know and love.”
The actress added:
“And he really just wanted that feeling back of just playing, and nobody looking over his shoulder. And he really got it.”
‘Day-O’ played a significant role in the original film during a scene where the characters were taken over by ghosts, resulting in a memorable musical moment. This song, along with ‘Jump In The Line,’ was also featured in the Broadway adaptation of ‘Beetlejuice.’
A Cast Reunion In The New Film
In addition to the song, the sequel, which is set to be released later this year, will see the return of original cast members Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton. It will also introduce new actors to the franchise, including Monica Bellucci and Jenna Ortega.
Speaking with People in January, O’Hara commented on working again with Ryder:
“Winona, God bless her, looks the same. She looks beautiful, beautiful skin.”
About the newcomers, she went on:
“Jenna Ortega’s great. Love her. What a cool young woman. Wow.”
While much of the sequel’s plot remains a secret, it’s been reported that Ortega will play Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, and Bellucci will portray Beetlejuice’s wife.
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ will hit theaters on September 6.
