Slated for a September 6 release, the eagerly awaited follow-up to 1988’s ‘Beetlejuice’ brings back familiar faces including Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara. It also introduces Jenna Ortega as Lydia Deetz’s daughter.
Michael Keaton opened up about his experience working with newcomer Ortega during an interview with ET’s Cassie DiLaura at the ‘Knox Goes Away’ premiere. He expressed appreciation for the ‘Wednesday’ actress’s abilities:
“Oh man, she’s good, she’s just got it, you know? She’s got the tone. She showed up and just immediately knew what the tone was and just slipped in like she does every day. She’s really special.”
The Original’s Vibe Is Back With The Cast And The Director
The actor also mentioned that working on ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ felt like a return to comfort zone for Tim Burton, which made the filming process ‘fun.’ This thought was shared by Catherine O’Hara, who also spoke highly of the production atmosphere.
Discussing the sequel’s attempt to recreate the original film’s charm, O’Hara shared her thoughts during an appearance on ‘Let’s Talk Off Camera With Kelly Ripa.’ She explained the reuse of Harry Belafonte’s ‘Day-O’ in the sequel and explained:
“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.”
Her words continued:
“And he really just wanted that feeling back of just playing, and nobody looking over his shoulder. And he really got it.”
Keaton Is Working On Other Projects As Well
While the buzz for ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ grows, Michael Keaton is also making headlines for ‘Knox Goes Away,’ a film he directed and stars in as a hitman facing a rare form of dementia while trying to mend his relationship with his estranged son (James Marsden).
Keaton discussed the challenges and rewards of directing the film, saying:
“It’s hard to make a bad movie. It’s just work but so what? Work’s work. Things are hard and so what, just go do it. But anytime you only have 25 days and not a whole lot of money, it’s a challenge. But we’ve heard this story 1,000 times and people have done it in less time than I had, probably. But this is good, this is really good. This cast is so terrific.”
The noir-inspired movie has already hit theaters, featuring a notable cast of the Batman actor’s famous friends like Marcia Gay Harden and Al Pacino, who plays Knox’s mentor.
