More than three decades after Tim Burton’s iconic supernatural comedy Beetlejuice first hit theaters, fans are finally getting the long-awaited sequel. With Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder returning, the buzz around Beetlejuice 3 is reaching a fever pitch.
But as the project resurfaces from the Netherworld of development hell, it’s worth asking: What kind of sequel does Beetlejuice really need?
The Ghost of a Sequel Past: ‘Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian’
For years, the most infamous Beetlejuice sequel idea was Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian—a tropical, surf-comedy concept that Burton and screenwriter Jonathan Gems briefly considered in the early '90s. The plot involved the Deetz family moving to Hawaii, only to discover their new home is built atop ancient burial grounds, with Beetlejuice returning as a ghostly surf contest participant. Yes, seriously.
While bizarre enough to be in Burton’s wheelhouse, the idea felt more like a parody than a proper follow-up. The tone would’ve leaned more toward Gilligan’s Island than the clever gothic charm of the original. Thankfully, it never made it past the scripting stage.
Why Beetlejuice 3 Deserves More Than a Beach Vacation
The original Beetlejuice wasn’t just funny and weird—it was smart. It satirized suburban life, poked fun at death and bureaucracy, and gave us a unique, visually stunning look at the afterlife. That’s what made it timeless. A sequel shouldn’t just try to replicate that with a new setting—it needs to evolve those ideas.
Instead of relying on a quirky location or throwaway gimmick, Beetlejuice 3 should ask: What does it mean to be haunted today? What happens when ghosts meet the digital age, influencers, and hyper-connected homes? Could Beetlejuice go viral—literally?
Summoning the Right Sequel Energy
Origin Story Hints: Give us a glimpse into how Beetlejuice became the “Ghost with the Most.” Dive deeper into the afterlife’s chaotic underworld.
The Deetz Legacy: Lydia’s story could come full circle if her daughter inherits the strange connection to the spirit realm—prompting Beetlejuice’s return for a new round of chaos.
Final Word: Don’t Say It Three Times Without a Plan
The excitement for Beetlejuice 3 is justified, but it deserves more than rehashed ideas from the '90s. Fans want weird—but they also want smart, stylish, and fresh. After all, Beetlejuice may be stuck in the afterlife, but his sequel doesn’t have to be stuck in the past.
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