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Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice 2’ to Open Venice Film Festival
Tim Burton’s much-anticipated sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” starring Michael Keaton and Jenna Ortega, is set to open the Venice Film Festival. The star-studded cast also includes Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe. This follow-up to Burton’s 1988 comedy-horror classic will premiere out-of-competition on August 28 at the Lido’s Palazzo del Cinema. The film will release in the U.S. on September 6 via Warner Bros. and internationally starting September 4.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” centers on three generations of the Deetz family returning to their Winter River home after a sudden death. Lydia’s (Ryder) rebellious teen daughter Astrid (Ortega) discovers a portal to the afterlife hidden in the basement. Inevitably, the mischievous spirit Beetlejuice is summoned, bringing chaos back to the Deetz household.
Jenna Ortega, known for her roles in horror, adds to her impressive genre resume with this film. She previously starred in Burton’s Netflix series “Wednesday,” as well as in Ti West’s “X” and the rebooted “Scream” franchise.
Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera praised the film: “’Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ marks the long-awaited return of one of Tim Burton’s most iconic characters. The Venice Biennale is honored to host the world premiere of a work that showcases Burton’s extraordinary visionary talent and creative imagination.”
Burton shared his excitement: “I’m very excited by this. It means a lot to me to have the world premiere of this film at the Venice Film Festival.”
The film, directed by Burton from a screenplay by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, is produced by Burton, Marc Toberoff, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Tommy Harper. Executive producers include Gough, Millar, Sara Desmond, Katterli Frauenfelder, Larry Wilson, Laurence Senelick, and Brad Pitt.
The Venice Film Festival’s 81st edition, running from August 28 to September 7, promises a star-studded lineup. Anticipated highlights include Todd Phillips’ “Joker 2: Folie à Deux,” starring Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix, and Pablo Larraín’s biopic “Maria,” with Angelina Jolie. Other expected entries are Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer” featuring Daniel Craig, Jon Watts’ action comedy “Wolfs” with George Clooney and Brad Pitt, and Ron Howard’s survival thriller “Eden,” starring Jude Law and Ana de Armas. Johnny Depp might also return as the director of “Modì,” his biopic of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani.
The full festival lineup will be announced on July 23.
